Would be nice to see a definitive list of most-to-least preferred Strut Material options from LR3 Beta/Experienced folks.
Recommendation depends on your build dimensions and what you’re planning to cut. But guessing folks here doing relatively Stock build are using 1/8" tempered hardboard or 1/4" ply. Seal and paint before assembly.
Feels like 1/8" Hardboard is most common? But I think (someone please confirm/correct me) …
Common Strut materials (from Most rigid):
- 1/4" Hardboard (1 solid piece or 2 x 1/8" glued)
- 1/4" MDF
- 1/4" Ply
- 1/8" Hardboard (3/18" Tempered Hardboard Panel at HomeDepot)
- 1/8" MDF
- 1/8" Ply
Exotic Strut Material options :
- Aluminum, Laminate floor plank, 2mm Powder Coated Steel, Acrylic, Polycarbonate
Refs:
Personally used 1/4" ply leftovers (gantry has 56.5" tube/strut-length). Custom front strut looks cool, but I don’t have any performance/strength data to share indicating whether this or something else is the weakest link for my build. Still learning…