[dtbw]

The materials used in the non-CCD Bambi/Safari lines is NOT a veneer. The material is a very lightweight, airfilled, wood composite material with a totally synthetic wood grain applied to the exterior (pretty convincing appearance). Even though Yukionna's and our unit are siblings (about a month apart), we have not experienced any peeling or lifting of woodgrain layer. While the material has it advantages in being stronger than plywood, extremely low expansion / contraction charateristics, conventional construction mechanics, it lacks a depth that real wood exhibits. A/S could have done a better job on the finishing of the ends. Also, it can not be bent over a radius.

The CCDs use a plastic laminate product from Wilsonart that is basically the same stuff as "formica". The wood look is not on the surface but under a couple of layers of clear material and a wood grain texture is applied to the top layer to make it a bit more convincing. The good news with this material is even lighter weight, no maintenance and consistent quality. It should also have a very long life. Construction techniques around this type of product have been around for 50+ years.

As I stated in my earlier post, on the late model Bambis, especially those of use with the Safari Upgrade, weight is BIG concern. I am intrigued by the laminated material posted by Stephanie as it offers many of the advantages of the Wilsonart type product, but maintains a real wood surface. Need to do some investigation...