> Does anybody know where you can obtain okoume thinner than 3mm?

> I have been thinking about trying to fabricate some pieces (seat, etc.)
> using a cold molded process with vacuum clamping. If those pieces work
> well, I might try a whole boat. I see plenty of places that will sell you
> 3mm or 4mm marine plywood. I would think that it would be possible to
> obtain the individual veneers that are laminated together to make the
> plywood, but I don't know. Maybe the plywood is always imported in the
> laminated state.

> Also, anyone have any ideas as to whether other woods would be suitable
> for a cold molded project. Which ones, what are the considerations.

> --Will

you can buy wood veneer from most lumber stores. It is frequently used for cabinet work, and table tops, so it is top quality material. Look in the department by the countertop laminates. ( formica, etc)

Not cheap stuff, but if you choose to use it for a cold molded boat you'll have the secure knowledge that there are no voids in the middle layer, unless you put them there yourself. I've seen ths stuff in lengths of 10 to 20 feet and widths of 1, 2 and 12 to 24 inches. The narrow stuff is for banding the edges of particle board, or end grains on planks. You cna probably find different lengths and widths if you shop a bit. It is so flexible that they usually roll it up and put it in a box. It is so thin you can cut it with a sharp knife, so if you need shapes or strips you are not going to have much going into waste as sawdust. Specialty wood stores sell dozens of varieties of wood species as veneers. Big pieces of some exotic materials can be VERY expensive.

Best of luck

Paul G. Jacobson