The right MDF thickness if I plan to use formica both sides and 3/4" T-molding?

[jk40001]

Hey guys, I am just gearing up for my first arcade project. I have ordered 3/4“ T-molding which is now somewhere in the post from US. I plan to use MDF board and formica on both sides. I dont have formica yet and I have no previous experience with laminating, so I have no idea how thick formica is and if glue thickness need to be also considered…

What thickness of MDF do you recommend to get? Would be 11/16“ (17mm) board the right choice? Thank you.


UPDATE: just checked availability with nearest store and they confirmed stock of 16 mm and 18 mm boards only, not 17 mm. What would be the better compromise?

[slappyhooper]

if it were me I would go with the 16mm. you can always trim t molding with a straight razor if there's overhang once the laminate is applied.

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[shponglefan]

Formica is 1/16 inch thick.  So if you are using it on both sides, that's 1/8 inch of formica, leaving 5/8 inch (16mm) MDF.  So you want to use 16mm.

[JDFan]

THey also have some trimmers for the T-moulding (about $20) that make a very nice edge if the moulding is too large and needs to be trimmed (so better to go with the 16mm and trim if needed.

[DickTurpin]

Fab gadget. Is that adjustable or does it have a fixed width ?

[JDFan]

Fab gadget. Is that adjustable or does it have a fixed width ?

I think they are slightly adjustable within a range as the two halfs slide together ( by pressing in on the sides) but not sure exactly what the range is -- but it can be taken apart and used for a single side at a time ( as shown in the video below ) so that way could be used with any size material -- It is actually designed for trimming veneer edge banding but works well for T-moulding also. 

[jk40001]

Thank you all! I got answers I was hoping for. I will get 16 mm mdf board today. I know it is a kind of heavy stuff, hopefully roof of my little car will be allright

[JDFan]

Thank you all! I got answers I was hoping for. I will get 16 mm mdf board today. I know it is a kind of heavy stuff, hopefully roof of my little car will be allright

If you already have the dimensions worked out you can probably have at least a couple cuts made by the store -- ie. on my bartop I knew it was going to be 16 inches wide so had the 48x96 (4ft.x8ft.) sheet cut into 2 48x48 pieces and then had a 16 inch piece cut off each of the pieces giving me 2 48 x 32 and 2 48 x 16 pieces to load into the car which was much easier to handle and also the machine they had at the store cuts a very straight line so the 16 inch width for the inner pieces was exact saving some sanding and filling time !! Just make up a layout for the pieces before hand and decide what cuts you can have them make for you to get it easier to handle (most stores give a couple free cuts and only charge a small fee for additional cuts (ie. 10 to 20 cents per cut) - saving time and making the pre cut sheet easier to load and also easier to cut with your tools at home so definitely worth the $.

[jk40001]

The board was really oversized: 2,8m x 2,1m. Fortunatelly, they were able to cut it at least in two. They had a hand circular saw only and able to make just aproximate cuts, so I did not ask for more. Anyway, stuff is in the garage now and I am getting excited to make first cuts this weekend. An office rat will try to do something with his hands for the first time. My wife is laughing at me already now