Question about suitable wood for bulkheads etc

[Meredith]

I have a Dos Amigos awaiting patiently to be started. I have had some of the pieces out a few times - just to look at them.

 I am not very happy with the ply used for the bulkheads and false keel etc - I know they get covered up completely - but they are all flaky and brittle/dry feeling.

 

Timber supplies where I live are non-existent (or paying $50 for a 1/4 sheet of MDF - in comparison to well under $10 in civilisation for a sheet twice the size). I was considering asking one of the FIFO (Fly in/Fly out) guys to bring back something suitable on his next R & R swing. I don't want to risk getting something weird - so I thought I could ask him for something that is pretty stock standard to the non ship building world.

 

Question..:  Would MDF be suitable in the right thickness?

 

I figured re-doing these parts would also give me a little experience in cutting these parts with the scroll saw in preparation for my first scratch build sometime in the distant future.

Edited June 15, 2013 by Meredith

[mtaylor]

Meridith,

 

As I recall, Chris Watton is using MDF on one of his new designs.  And some of the other kit manufacturers are also.   The downside is wear a facemask when cutting it.  And it will eat blades.

[Meredith]

Would I be better using aircraft type ply? - or any other suggestions?

[mtaylor]

Hmm... not all hobby plywood is the same.  The European makers use 3-ply plywood.  The American makers use 5-ply.  Aircraft ply would work if you can find it thin enough.  If you're talking RC aircraft ply.. it should be good.   But again, any wood product can warp.