[CanSir]

I was researching and pricing out plastics when I came across a product called Boatboard a.k.a. Starboard (a modified HDPE for marine use) that looks really promising. A 13" x 13" x 0.5" sheet costs only $10 and it's available in 5 different colors. Even a one inch block of that size costs a mere $17. One downside is that it "has a slightly textured no slip, anti-marking surface". Provided that the texture is just a surface finish (ie: not formed by deliberately introducing microscopic bubbles while forming the HDPE sheet), it shouldn't pose too big of an issue for us.

Here is where I found it: http://www.polyzone.com/asp/Product.asp?PG=2189

Has anybody used this stuff before? Is it just as wear resistant and slippery as regular HDPE? Is there an even cheaper source for HDPE out there?

[Geof]

Did you Google Boatboard?

I thinkl it is just a marketing ploy aimed at boat owners. They call it a modified HDPE and I think the modification is the textured surface. The properties claimed are just standard for HDPE: doesn't rot, yes correct, doesn't delaminate, yes correct etc.

And $10 for 13" by 13" at 0.5" thick is about $9.50 a square foot; is that much different to standard HDPE?

[joecnc2006]

same stuff as i buy.

joe

[CanSir]

From the same site, a 12" x 12" x 0.5" sheet of HDPE (natural) costs $37.50.

Joe uses it, so that's pretty much a slam-dunk endorsement in my books.
I found a Canadian site that carries the same stuff under the tradename of Starboard: http://www.theplasticstore.com/default.asp

[High Seas]

Yes - I used it for the "cars" on my System2. (see User's Photogalery)
Starboard -- Cuts well - machines easy - you'll need to work stepover to get the finish right. Doesn't adsorb moisture - I've found it stable in "shop" conditions.
Can't say if its "just" repackaged to target boaties -- but the price you found is probably 1/2 to 1/3 what you'd pay a marine supplier! There is a special 3M (I recall) adhesive. It will Drill and Tap - but if using as a drive for threaded rod -- you'll have some backlash!

:cheers: Jim