Hey everyone. I am looking for advice on how to build an “L” shaped bench in front the platform bed. It would span the whole width of the van then go towards the sliding door. Debating between just using plywood for the whole thing or putting in a heavy duty frame first. Lots of builds have this but I’m having a hard time determining the best materials to hold up to sitting on it regularly.
KARavanners
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809 Posts
Depends on the plywood. I have a bunch of 1/2" softwood plywood I got for free that I've done a lot of prototyping with, and it bows like Yo-Yo Ma. I used tons of screws and 2 x 4 and 1 x 2 framing fighting a losing battle to keep things square and straight. The up-side was I didn't have to countersink screws as soft as it was 
I've started using some decent 3/4" hardwood plywood and it's a completely different animal. When I switch to Baltic Birch, I'll probably think I've died and gone to heaven.
I've started using some decent 3/4" hardwood plywood and it's a completely different animal. When I switch to Baltic Birch, I'll probably think I've died and gone to heaven.
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809 Posts
Here’s a link to the supplier I’m considering:
http://craftsmensupply.com
They look legit and have 5 Star Google reviews whatever that means.
There are other suppliers in Jacksonville which are closer to me, but I’d rather have an excuse to drive my PM with more of a guarantee of quality stock. Besides, Ybor City is a cool place to visit with interesting history (it was a Cuban cigar making enclave), cigar shops and breweries. There’s even an IKEA nearby if I want some really crummy MDF and particleboard
http://craftsmensupply.com
They look legit and have 5 Star Google reviews whatever that means.
There are other suppliers in Jacksonville which are closer to me, but I’d rather have an excuse to drive my PM with more of a guarantee of quality stock. Besides, Ybor City is a cool place to visit with interesting history (it was a Cuban cigar making enclave), cigar shops and breweries. There’s even an IKEA nearby if I want some really crummy MDF and particleboard
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809 Posts
Pocket screws are a little trickier on 1/2" ply. Kreg makes a special black label jig for them, and there are various tweaks to help drill them with the Harbor Freight jig that I use.
In my experience 1/2" plywood is workable with some care and decent plywood.
In my experience 1/2" plywood is workable with some care and decent plywood.
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