> Have ya ever seen an old van that's been through both home modification > (panelling, wood floors, etc.) and a head on accident? There is a reason to > use melamine based particle board type materials. Wood will shatter (even > plywood) into a thousand tiny lancets, just right for making your head, > body, etc. into a giant pin cushion. > > Ouch. > I would rather have wood impale moi than metal, etc. However, particle board is much heavier than plywood, not nearly as strong, & the reason they used it is because it is much cheaper than plywood or hardwood, not for any perceived safety issues? The older westys' were made w/ solid wood, then plywood, but that got axed as the particle board came on the scene & was much cheaper. Unlike plastic substituting for metal in cars/buses, the substitute is heavier causing other problemas? Bumpers are now made of light plastic instead of metal to "give more" instead of resisting more? I wonder if heavier p. board is more dangerous than lighter plywood or the other way around? You also get more off gassing of p. board/melamine than plywood which affects your air quality in the van? Tom Buese, AIA |
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