New Table Strength question

[DaMScampers]

Our '93 Scamp has a well worn original table. We plan to:
1. Replace it with a plywood table
2. Epoxy a vintage map onto the top

The original table appears to be 5/8" thick. No such hardwood ply is available to me locally. But, 1/2" hardwood ply is available, and the epoxy folks advertise that it adds 1/8" thickness - making 1/2" ply into a suitable 5/8" replacement.

Questions:
1. Any thoughts on the suitability of 1/2" ply as not only table top, but bed? Will that be strong enough? Will the epoxy add strength? I could add a couple of lateral strips on the bottom in order to add lateral strength. But do I need to?
2. Epoxy: Have you had a great experience with epoxy that you could point me to? Any suggestions at all?

[Eddie Longest]

For Scamp table tops I use 3/4" oak plywood with golden oak stain. I use 1/2" oak plywood for the cabinet doors. I have seen several stock Scamp table tops crack. Usually by people placing their weight on their knee in the center of the bed.
Epoxy without fibers adds little or no strength.
Eddie

[padlin00]

I've built tables from good 3/4" hardwood ply, Eddie has it right. I would pass on 1/2".

[John Linck]

Originally Posted by Eddie Longest

For Scamp table tops I use 3/4" oak plywood with golden oak stain. I use 1/2" oak plywood for the cabinet doors. I have seen several stock Scamp table tops crack. Usually by people placing their weight on their knee in the center of the bed.
Epoxy without fibers adds little or no strength.
Eddie

I too used ¾ oak plywood on my 91 Scamp. ½ inch is too thin and the flexing might delaminate your epoxy. I am about to do it again in my newer Scamp and ¾ will be my choice. Fortunately ¾ ply is lighter weight than the fiberboard Scamp chooses. I chose satin polyurethane as finish.

John

[honda03842]

My table top is glued pine. I believe it's 1/2 inch but will check in the morning. I believe this is our fourth year.

Coated with urethane.

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...a-46387-3.html

7 Years ago I made a similar table and used oak stair treads. Worked well but much heavier. Pine seems fine.

I measured the pine this morning and is a 1/2". I purchased a sheet of glued up pine from Home Depot. I believe 30" wide and just had to cur it to length. It was the lightest table solution and has served perfectly for the bed. I oak stained it and than urethaned it, the final coat a poured coat for extra thickness.