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Materials other than MDF
RandyT:
--- Quote from: Ond on March 15, 2021, 05:22:00 pm ---... instead high density (chip) particle board is used. The same stuff they used in making original arcade cabinets.
--- End quote ---
I've seen this stated a couple of times, but I don't believe this was the case until late in the game when they started trying to cut costs. Both my original Defender and Galaxian cabinets used MDF laminated plywood, also known as MDO. MDF->Medium Density Fiberboard, MDO->Medium Density Overlay. MDO is also the material used by professional sign makers for outdoor signage, due to it's durability and near perfect surface uniformity. Again, if cost is no object, MDO is the material of choice for painted, standard panel based designs. MDF comes in as a close second for indoor (dry) environments when finish is important.
IMHO, the hate for MDF is misplaced. Like all things, different materials have their different places, depending on the attributes desired by the builder.
docpoof:
I've build cabs out of plywood, MDF and MDO.
For plywood I only will use birch or thermal laminated birch. It's very durable, easy to paint and readily available.
MDO is awesome but very dusty when cutting. Very smooth surface, great for painting, cuts without slitting the ends and very durable. May be a bit more difficult to find. I had to order it through a local plywood supplier.
If I had to pick I would go with MDO>Birch plywood>MDF
RandyT:
A couple more things to add about MDF.
It's a great material for a control panel surface. It's density goes a long way in reducing the "drumming" noise that can be an issue with thin and lighter density material. And in a world where heavy CRTs and bulky cabinet structures tend to no longer be the norm, the extra weight of the material can add much needed ballast and stability to free-standing cabinets.
Ond:
--- Quote from: RandyT on March 18, 2021, 12:53:56 pm ---
A couple more things to add about MDF.
It's a great material for a control panel surface. It's density goes a long way in reducing the "drumming" noise that can be an issue with thin and lighter density material. And in a world where heavy CRTs and bulky cabinet structures tend to no longer be the norm, the extra weight of the material can add much needed ballast and stability to free-standing cabinets.
--- End quote ---
Absolutely! It's density and acoustic properties make it a choice material for speaker cabinet building as well. If you want a really tough control panel with the properties of MDF, coat the upper surface with a thin layer of fiber-glass and then fine finish.
mameotron:
I'm surprised nobody mentioned MDO plywood. I have to order it from my local Home Depot, but I never have problems getting it. Kinda pricey but really smooth and durable.
https://www.andersonplywood.com/mdo-medium-density-overlay/
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