Torsion Box Question

[Alan Turner]

We are about to build 2 torsion boxes as part of a redo of our CSMS station to accomodate a new Bosch 10" 4410.

We have a large vacuum veneering bag, and have sourced in the appropriate 3/4" corrugated from Mr. Keil. We have a dead flat layout table for the glue up.

The question is this. Can we use 1/4" mdf on the bottom side, and 1/4" birch cabinet grade ply on the top? Or, if we do this, we will have warpage issues? In other words, will there be a problem if we use two different types of sheet goods in constructing a 1.25" thick torsion box structure? The sizes will be about 96 x 32, and 48 x 32.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Jim Becker]

Chances are there wouldn't be a warping problem, but consider doing 1/2" or 1/4" MDF for the top with a 1/4" hard board wear surface tacked on and hidden behind a nice piece of face material.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I see no reason why different skin materials will matter. So long as neither is capable of warping with so much enthusiasm that it can take the whole assembly with it.