Building Boards

[David Tremelling]

Hi All

I was wondering what to use as a building board. Suitable for taking modelling pins etc

[Stephen Harrison]

I use a piece of 25mm (1") thick ply wood with a size of 12" X 48". never bent and accepts pins well. not treated just had edges taken off. I have heard of people using that board that are used on display boards (can't remember what it is called) with a wooden frame for strength. hope this is some help :-)

[Allan Jordan]

Hi. David, If i'ts any help I make mine
of the material used for worktops in kitchens.I'ts usually about 25mm thick, I then cover it with low density fibre board
( sometimes called message or softboard)
You will need to go to a decent wood yard to get it, I've not seen it in DIY stores. Does this help? regards Allan J...TTFN

[Mike Rolls]

Several choices - MDF, flush panel door, Blockboard - for items like MDF whihc are too hard to accept pins face it with cork tiles - the thin, hard type, not the thich sft stuff whihc breaks up soon as look at it.
HTH

Mike

[Mike Rolls]

Meant to say - the most important thig, of course, is to ensure that it is flat. Surprising how even MDF can bow under its own weight if not supported. My own solution is a pair of saw horses from B&Q with a 6'x3' MDF surface and on top of that a secondary board from 3/4" ahrdboard, cork faced. Before starting building this is checked for flatness and shimmed as needed.
Mike

[001]

Try a shop that sells Model Railway supplies. The scenic builders use a grey/green board which I think is called Sundeala, ideal to take pins, but it does need glueing/fixing to a strong straight backing.

[Terence Lynock]

I use a piece of MDF with cork tiles glued down on it, the tiles are cheap at B&Q (nine sq feet for three quid and are nice and smooth being pre-sanded and take pins well.

[Dead-stick]

I use a large sheet of blockboard, but I don't think this is readily available anymore. Mine is about 20 years old and still as flat and true as they day I bought it.

[Jonathan Vincent]

Hi I saw an article recently on the Internet about using a magnetic board. It was very interesting and fast but not really practical unless you intend building a lot of model aircraft. I find the pins irritating these days. I think I will build myself one. You use the high strength magnets from door catches and other such gear.

[David Tremelling]

Hi All Thanks for all the tips and responses. Plenty to think about. I think that I will go with the Cork Tiles glued to an MDF board. Will visit the DIY stores this weekend.

[bushwhackerbob]

At school we use sundeala for notice boards. It takes modelling pins easily. Usually get it from the local Jewsons.

[flytilbroke]

I have seen Sundeala mentioned fairly often. I went to a local builders recently and priced a sheet of the only size and grade they supply, £42:50 for an 8ft x 4ft x 3/4 inch. I am still thinking on it.