On Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:43:21 -0700
wrote:

Ok, so I am an inexperienced DIYer but at least im enthusiastic about
the possibilities.

I want to build a computer desk and some alcove shelving. I need
several sheets of plywood but i really dont have a bloody clue what im
talking about. I really think if the whole industry was more
accessible to dumbasses like me im sure it would be bigger. Second
problem, and a big one - the ply wont fit in my car, obviously, so a
delivery needs to be arranged but will anyone deliver a small quantity
of timber to me economically ?... i doubt it.

I need some 18mm ply thats furniture grade for the desk and
shelves( 3-4 sheets) and maybe some 1 inch by 2 inch battons for the
shelving design i found online. It would be great if it was possible
to buy this stuff online but i can only find www.buildercenter.co.uk
and have heard they are expensive.

I have a list of timber merchants near me from yell.com

Is it a good idea to ring a few of these and bumble my way through a
quote request?.. what kind of ply is best for me and what's a good
price?

Thanks for any help.


See if one of the Arnold-Laver Timberworld units is in your area.

http://www.laver.co.uk/

When I was new to woodwork I visited the Reading unit, and was helped
to choose the right stuff. Their website is very useful, just to get
the terminology right so you don't sound like a p....ock. They always
have a panel saw there and will cut panels to your cutting diagram for
a small fee - probably more accurately than you (or B&Q) could do it.
When drawing a cutting diagram (there is software that will do it for
you) remember that the saw kerf (3.2 mm usually, so say 5mm) has to be
allowed for!

You could use WBP plywood (any Builder's Merchant) which is not too
expensive, but it has voids inside and the surface veneers are thin and
they split easily (and you get splinters!).

Proper cabinet-grade birch multi-ply is wonderful stuff, but you pay a
big premium for it. I would guess that it is twice as strong as WBP
too, and maybe 3 x the price.

Another alternative is Hardwood veneered ply, or MDF, I'm sitting at a
desk made from Ash-veneered MDF now. It needs to be edged with real
timber, but for big projects you can't beat it for stability and cost.

Finally, don't write off using real wood. Panels made of strip-wood,
usually spruce, are not expensive in comparison to Birch Ply, and are
easy to work with.

R.