Anyone know what this stuff is? Looks like plywood but feels like plastic…

I keep seeing this material used in places where you’d expect plywood, especially at my local school. This piece has holes, but there are also plain sheets in some areas. Anyone know what it could be?

It’s phenolic paper laminate.

Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

I used to work with this stuff as a machinist…
It’s made with formaldehyde, and while the surface might be safe, when you start cutting into it, the dust isn’t. You should wear a mask—this dust can be harmful!

@Aki
Seems like a perfect choice for schools… :confused:

Raven said:
@Aki
Seems like a perfect choice for schools… :confused:

It’s actually easier to clean and handles changes in temperature and moisture better than wood. The kids aren’t handling it directly anyway.

Raven said:
@Aki
Seems like a perfect choice for schools… :confused:

Once it’s machined, it’s stable and doesn’t pose a risk unless someone starts drilling or sawing. It’s a very durable material but needs the right equipment to handle.

@Aki

unless one of them decides to start drilling or sawing on it

Not the craziest thing I’ve seen happen in a high school :joy:

Raven said:
@Aki
Seems like a perfect choice for schools… :confused:

A lot of schools have concrete floors and walls. Cutting concrete can release harmful dust too. Just saying…

@Aki
Is this the same stuff that those old taxidermy displays tell us not to breathe in?

Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

We call it “the stuff no one wants to work with” at my shop.

Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Tao said:

Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Did you mean Bennyhoozle Cucumberpatch?

victorblake said:

Tao said:
Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Did you mean Bennyhoozle Cucumberpatch?

Benzoyl Clindamycin?

@Roux
Bananadick Cucumberpatch

Kiran said:
@Roux
Bananadick Cucumberpatch

Bandersnatch Cummerbund

Landry said:

Kiran said:
@Roux
Bananadick Cucumberpatch

Bandersnatch Cummerbund

Bundessnatch Coworkerhack

Fife said:
It’s phenolic paper laminate.

Always learning something new on this forum.

Looks kinda like phenolic paper… or maybe not?

Sam said:
Looks kinda like phenolic paper… or maybe not?

@Lyle
Reminds me of something from this forum’s ‘don’t touch this’ section…