simulate aluminum plate on plywood, how?

[gychang]

I am building a small amplifier case, and I like to stick with 1/2" plywood, but very interested in simulating aluminium plate as attached.

Anyone have a suggestion? SOme sort of paint comes to mind.

thanks,

gychang

[linear]

Duplicolor makes a spray that is two parts. It's called Metalcast.

I would think this would do the trick, but you'll want to prime the wood and get it sanded really smooth before you put the base coat down.

[tedkitch]

You could also laminate a thin sheet of aluminum to the plywood. Make sure you cut thin strips for edge banding. There are also many metallic and faux metallic laminates on the market. Some of them are very realistic looking.

We went the thin aluminum laminated to 3/4 plywood route recently for a prototype project and one of our guys went to cut the post-laminated board on our SawStop saw and it triggered the lock of the blade.

[cgallery]

We went the thin aluminum laminated to 3/4 plywood route recently for a prototype project and one of our guys went to cut the post-laminated board on our SawStop saw and it triggered the lock of the blade.

Woops! I guess the SawStop passed the unintended test, though.

[gychang]

You could also laminate a thin sheet of aluminum to the plywood. Make sure you cut thin strips for edge banding. There are also many metallic and faux metallic laminates on the market. Some of them are very realistic looking.

great idea, will check it out.

gychang

[cabinetman]

Your sample picture looks like a small flake metalflake paint. There is a large selection of finishes at an auto paint supplier. If you choose to use a laminate, here are two different manufacturers. Click through some choices of Numetal, or check out some of the finishes at Chemetal.

[HarmsWay]

We went the thin aluminum laminated to 3/4 plywood route recently for a prototype project and one of our guys went to cut the post-laminated board on our SawStop saw and it triggered the lock of the blade.

What do you use to bond sheet aluminum to plywood?

How expensive is a replacement sawstop module?

Bob

[cabinetman]

What do you use to bond sheet aluminum to plywood?
Bob

Solvent based contact cement works the best, IMHO.

[tedkitch]

cabinetman is right. We use solvent based contact cement. It can be rolled on, but I much prefer the spray. Then you roll it nice and flat. Be careful when you trim the edges with a router as the small flakes of aluminum can be sharp and they go everywhere. Good safety goggles are a must.

Brakes for the SawStop are around $60 each.

As far as cool looking non-metal laminates, I think that WilsonArt Silver Alchemy and Satin Stainless look pretty cool. There are plenty more. You can check out WilsonArt, Pionite, Formica, etc.

Hope this helps,

[wbsettle]

Another peel-n-stick option.

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/she...sheetingfx.htm

[gychang]

Another peel-n-stick option.

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/she...sheetingfx.htm

very interesting, thanks.

gychang

[sparkeyjames]

Another peel-n-stick option.

http://www.alsacorp.com/products/she...sheetingfx.htm

Thanks for the link wbsettle. I have been looking for a brushed aluminium look for making a new pickguard on my cheap low end Fender Squier Strat guitar.