Source for black laminate covered plywood in small size.

[Loneranger]

I finally received the back ordered fusion radio. The installation is stalled because I have not found a source for a material to cut the faceplate to support the radio. The part searay originally used is about 1/2 in plywood with a white Formica laminate on one side and black on the other.

I do not necessarily want to use the same material. I tried using a piece of plywood I had in the shop sanded and painted black but it is just not as good looking as the laminate. Any ideas for an alternative material ? Or a source for say a 2 foot by 2 foot section of prelaminated plywood. I can buy black Formica laminate but have so far only found it in large sheets then I would need to buy the cement and so on.

John

 

[fwebster]

We used to use sheet plastic in black and gray with either a flat or a pebble finish for control panels on machinery we built. It isn't expensive, but would need to be laminated or glued to something since it is only about .065" thick mand doesn't have a lot of tensile strength. In our application we just cut a sheet of aluminum for the structure and used the plastic for a panel cover. I've got a few pieces of scrap in the shop, but nothing as big as 24 X 24.

 

[JerryS]

Several years ago, I had the same issue. I wanted to fill a large opening with a new radio and CD player. I bit the bullet and bought a full size sheet of black formica that I affixed to I think a piece of maple or oak (whatever). Anyhow, it worked out fine:

 

[Loneranger]

We used to use sheet plastic in black and gray with either a flat or a pebble finish for control panels on machinery we built. It isn't expensive, but would need to be laminated or glued to something since it is only about .065" thick mand doesn't have a lot of tensile strength. In our application we just cut a sheet of aluminum for the structure and used the plastic for a panel cover. I've got a few pieces of scrap in the shop, but nothing as big as 24 X 24.

I actually only need a piece 7 x 12 1/4 inches. I just threw out 24 square as the smallest size I had seen purchasable in a laminate.

 

[Loneranger]

Several years ago, I had the same issue. I wanted to fill a large opening with a new radio and CD player. I bit the bullet and bought a full size sheet of black formica that I affixed to I think a piece of maple or oak (whatever). Anyhow, it worked out fine:

Looks good.

 

[sdarc]

You could try going to cabinet shops in your area. They may have some smaller pieces. How about doing it in Cherry with a high gloss finish? Are leaving the door on or removing it?

 

[Loneranger]

You could try going to cabinet shops in your area. They may have some smaller pieces. How about doing it in Cherry with a high gloss finish? Are leaving the door on or removing it?

I had thought about doing it in a good looking hardwood but there is not very much on the boat that is in wood now. I may start though.

I was originally removing the door but I am going to leave it I believe.

Good idea about cabinet maker. I have redone two kitchens with the same cabinet maker over the last few years suly he wood donate a scrap.

 

[CliffA]

I finally received the back ordered fusion radio. The installation is stalled because I have not found a source for a material to cut the faceplate to support the radio. The part searay originally used is about 1/2 in plywood with a white Formica laminate on one side and black on the other.

I do not necessarily want to use the same material. I tried using a piece of plywood I had in the shop sanded and painted black but it is just not as good looking as the laminate. Any ideas for an alternative material ? Or a source for say a 2 foot by 2 foot section of prelaminated plywood. I can buy black Formica laminate but have so far only found it in large sheets then I would need to buy the cement and so on.

John

what about using 1/2" starboard?....i bought a small piece off e-bay from a marina that had some scrap pieces for a very reasonable price including shipping...i used 1/4" black starboard to make a new dash panel that came out nice....very easy to work by using regular woodworking tools....

cliff

 

[Henry Boyd]

I replaced my radio and used a piece of left over mahogany. Will take and post pictures next time I am out to the boat.

Henry