Red wrote:Who has the record for least weight on a tear on this site? Also, anyone have any ideas as to how I can shave precious ounces from my build? If I use 3/8 in plywood and just polyurethane it, do you think it'll hold up?
Good info on the Bullitex.
I think for a lightweight 4x8 tear, Steve Wolverton's Cowper holds the record at 400-some lbs. Roly Nelson streaks into the lead for smaller tear at under 300lb. You should look at the Cowper plans (download and save it quick, as all other Cowper material has gone):
http://www.stevewolverton.com/cowper.pdf
As far as I know, Roly hasn't published any info on his new design on a web site yet, but if you look at his posts here, you'll get the idea.
I would say 3/8" walls were medium-weight construction! If you add some framing (say, 1x2s full height every 12" or so) then 1/4" should be plenty and you could look at going thinner than that. Old trailers were built with 1/8" ply skins, and even masonite/hardboard, but they did have very good framing. It really depends on how tough you want the body to be - it would be a good idea to try making some test panels to see if you are happy with the thin ply.
Andrew