<html><head></head><body><div dir="auto">Joe,<br><br>I think that the lightest beams I built were 1/8" luan skins with 3/4" square framing. Blocking was added just where it was needed for brackets or other things that need to be attached. They are surprisingly strong but will not be close to the real thing.<br><br>Texture could be added on the surface, it does not take much when combined with the skills of a good scenic painter.<br><br>Jon</div><div dir="auto"><br>--<br>Jon Lagerquist<br>--</div><br><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="auto">On August 31, 2026 6:01:20 PM PDT, Joe via Stagecraft <stagecraft@theatrical.net> wrote:</div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;">
<div class="ydp76065869yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">I am creating a target for a fake knife-throwing act. In particular I am wanting the frame holding up the target to look like it is made from 4x4 lumber that has a bold 3D weathered wood texture. I want it to both be structural, and lighter weight than what 4x4 wood would weigh.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">My first thought was to laminate some foam beams with 1/4" plywood. Then, perhaps texture it by using a sand blaster on the wood. I know this technique works on wood planks, but plywood with its thin layers would likely not survive the method.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">My second thought would be to do the above backwards. I.e. use 2x2 wood, and skin it with 1/2" thick foam. Then, manually carve the wood texture into the foam. It would be more subject to damage. But ,of course we can coat it with something to help prevent that.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Another possibility is just to use lighter wood, like Balsa planks. I've never attempted this. And I doubt the wood would be strong enough where I attach any fasteners.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">I think the most likely approach is to frame out a square tube from 1/2" thick wood boards, and use the hollow insides to help hide electronics and mechanisms. It is thick enough to take some sand blasting, and be rounded on the corners. And it is easy to screw attach things to the outside surface. On the negative side, it is a lot of work to gain a 50% weight savings of those pieces. Though, I have not calculated how much it saves from the entire assembly.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Any other thoughts?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div class="ydp76065869signature"><div style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:16px;">-Joe</div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></body></html>