Replies

1. 
   bambam | Jan 29, 2007 08:43am | #1

   I once did on for my old fire dept training room. I used 1/4" melamine with a 2x4 trim  that was dadoed out a quarter an inch and screwed it to the wall. That way they could later change the piece out if it got scratched and the 2x was good for holding the dry erase pens.

   This was a very basic run of the mill free job that only took a coupla hours, i'm not sure thats what your looking for. The mellamine doesnt hold up very well I'm told which is why I fixed it so they could change it out later. They had the stuff but didnt know how to put it together.

2. 
   DanH | Jan 29, 2007 02:02pm | #2

   I'm not sure what they use in our plant -- I'll try to remember to check that out, as it seems to be pretty durable stuff.

   But I'd recommend that they not replace them all at once, but do maybe 20% to start with. Gotta get people into the mode of thinking about not using regular markers on these things. All regular markers need to be banished from the room -- one careless moment can wreck a board.

   This also means you should allocate money for new markers, and for erasers and bottles of whiteboard cleaner/conditioner. (The cleaner/conditioner, if used immediately, can sometimes rescue a board that's been marked with a regular marker. So there should be a bottle in every room.)

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
1. 
   ruffmike | Jan 29, 2007 05:01pm | #4

   Thanks for the warning, I'll pass that info on.                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

2. 
   DanH | Jan 29, 2007 06:08pm | #6

   The pre-framed ones seem to be mostly steel (magnetic) units by Clairidge out of Arkansas. Haven't gotten into a big conference room yet to see what the big wall-to-wall ones are, but when I've seen them installed they looked more like Melamine.
   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin

3. 
   DaveRicheson | Jan 29, 2007 03:41pm | #3

   I've probably hung around 50 whiteboards over the years. The ones we buy come framed and with hanging hardware. I'll get the brand names for you tomorrow when I return to work.

   The difference between the mellamine and steel face type  is the steel face type can also be used as a a magnetic board. The weight difference is significant, so be prepared to use heavey duty hardware when hanging them.

   We recently recovered some old magnetic boards with a peel and stick "whiteboard" covering. I'll get you the info on that stuff also.  It could be used to reface the old chaulk boards, and maybe save some $$. I think we save significant money vs. buying new magnetic boards.

    

   Dave

1. 
   ruffmike | Jan 29, 2007 05:26pm | #5

   with a peel and stick "whiteboard" covering

   This sounds like a possibility, as we are going to be putting whiteboard at existing chalkboard locations. Seems like I saw this product, but didn't bookmark it.

   It also sounds like a hard installation for volunteers to handle.

   I would appreciate any info you come up with, thank you.                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jan 31, 2007 02:13am | #7

   http://www.walltalkers.com/products/index.asp

   Here is a link to the product we used. Maybe call the 800 number and get some prices.

   I think you will save $$ over buying or building new white boards. We have some scraps left over if they won't send you a sample swatch. Let me know and I'll drop them in the mail to you.

   You can e-mail me at work.

   [email protected]

   I check my mail there every day. At home when SWMBO tells me too :-)

    

   Dave

1. 
   ruffmike | Jan 31, 2007 03:39am | #9

   Thank you for the info. from everyone

   Unfortunately our local school board made a surprise announcement yesterday that  they are considering closing my son's school and combining it with the other two middle schools in the district.

   Everyone is up in arms and very upset, so it is all on hold.

   Life is full of surprises.                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

4. 
   DougU | Jan 31, 2007 03:20am | #8

   Mike

   We did a project/craft room for a house  and we just bought white board laminate(not to be confused with simple white laminate) I believe Wilsonart brand, but I'm sure they arnt the only manufacturer of it.

   Glue it down just like any other laminate and your good to go.

   Doug

1. 
   ruffmike | Jan 31, 2007 03:41am | #10

   Thank you, it sounds like a possible option to be explored if things change(see above post).                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

5. 
   WayneL5 | Jan 31, 2007 05:10am | #11

   The porcelain coated boards will last much longer than the economy boards.

   I question their decision, though.  The markers give off toxic vapors.  Besides that, they dry out very quickly, even standing a few minutes talking they'll go "dead".  For a teacher to have to keep capping and uncapping a marker all through a lesson is awkward.  Markers are more expensive than chalk.  And the boards not only need to be cleaned with white board cleaner, but they need to be conditioned occasionally with white board conditioner.  And one stray mark with the wrong kind of marker, or a crayon, can make for considerable work in removing it.

1. 
   DougU | Jan 31, 2007 05:37am | #12

   The markers give off toxic vapors

   The up side to that is the teach will probably get a little loopy and class will no longer be boreing!

   Doug

2. 
   ruffmike | Jan 31, 2007 07:03am | #13

   Whiteboards seem to be rapidly taking over chalkboards because of the dust factor, around here anyways.                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

3. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 31, 2007 08:20am | #14

   "The markers give off toxic vapors. "You missed the thread in the tavern that discussed Ditto machines and fluids.85% of the people he grew up sniffing those in schools..
   .
   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.