I build bamboo fly rods, and want to construct a drying cabinet approximately 60" tall x 12" deep x 16" wide to have a more dust free environment for the finish to cure. Any suggestions on materials to build it? It seems that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find quality plywood for a reasonable price. Sheets goods (e.g., plywood) are readily available from the big box stores, but voids and warping in a few days are problematic. Hardwood lumber would be overkill (i.e, not making a piece of furniture for inside my house), and pine is a constant battle with warping. I was considering MDF and melamine coated particle board, but question their durability. Also, wanted to incorporate a thermostat something along the lines of the one contained in the first link to have better control over the temperature.
I have seen designs that used thermostats made for electric baseboard heating systems such as the one in the second link, but not sure about how to properly wire it. Any suggestions concerning a thermostat? The heat source would probably be light bulb based, but was also considering a gun safe heater. Any suggestions on heat sources? Thanks.


[www.amazon.com]
[www.amazon.com]

Joe,
A nice way to make a drying cabinet is to use a frame and skin construction.
i.e. you can make a frame from 2 X 3/4 inch pine boards - with one cross brace in the middle.
Then, simply skin each frame with 1/8th inch thick hardboard. It will be very light and the frame will keep it from warping.

I really don't think that you need a thermostat. Depending on the ambient temperature, just use 1-3 light bulbs of the appropriate wattage to warm the box.

Light bulbs are inexpensive, readily available, and you generally need light in your drying box anyway.

Good luck and keep dry.
Roger

Try a search here on drying boxes and you will get a lot of ideas on making one

Bill - willierods.com

If you do use light bulbs for the heat source, a light dimmer switch works well to adjust heating levels.