Thanks to everyone who gave me input on the foam issue I posted recently. This leads to another question regarding the use of OSB in place of plywood (either under the foam or by itself). Anyone have any comments? Just a note - I am not considering particle board. Thanks!
NOPE I will not use the stuff anywhere, PERIOD. OSB is not waterproof, and will swell up if it gets wet. Is not as strong as plywood, after all it is only wood chuncks glued together. I just don't like the stuff, and I will always pay a little extra to get quality wood. It is no good to skrimp on your bench work or track work, because all you will do is build in problems on the layout. Take your time, spend a little extra at the building stage, and end up with a well built, well operating layout.
OSB is approved to be used on roof construction (sheeting) right under the shingles. It is waterproof. Maybe you're confused with particle board, which is basically a very hard board made from pressed saw dust. Particle board is acoustically dead, not as strong as plywood or OSB, is commonly used for shelving in closets, but is not waterproof. I'd have absolutely no problem using OSB on a train layout. It's strong, plenty stiff, and costs slightly less than plywood. The only reason I'd have for using plywood is that it's be easier to install screws into it than the OSB. Mark
I HAVE used OSB on my layout, and it's worked out fine. I wouldn't get particleboard anywhere near my layouts for love or money, but for the price I'd recommend OSB anytime.
I wasn't sure about OSB and water resistance, but I have been assured that it is okay around water, as some one above pointed out. My own philosophy on layout benchwork is go for the cheapest that will do the job properly. I used MDF only because I got a deal on it, but it has its drawbacks. You can't use nails (or spikes) so everything is screwed or glued. This requirement is a hassle for all the attachments underneath.
Not sure about the US, but in the UK most of these 'manmade' boards come in different grades, which depend to an extent on the glues used to bind them together. You want to get 'exterior' grade for decent water resistance. The other problem with some of these boards is that they are very hard to push pins, etc, into without drilling a pilot hole . If you can, take a nail to the store and discretely 'test' before you buy. I tend to use plywood as it is reasonably priced nowadays for the quantities I use. It is stronger for a given thickness (or lighter for a given strength) and easier to work with than the various 'glued-up-bits' boards.
