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| Materials: MDF vs. Particleboard? |
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| SpamMe:
I wanted to use ply for my cabinet but, at the time, MDF was about 1/2 the price :-\ |
| Minwah:
Plywood gives you some nasty splinters if you're not careful too :D Seriously tho my cab is the first bit of woodwork I've attempted since school, and really I think it is quite a major project for a complete novice. I did make 1 piece from plywood, and although I found it quite easy to work with I found MDF (which I made the rest of the cab with) a lot easier. So my point being depending on your woodworking skill this may determine what you use. Personally I wouldn't use particle board (or chip board as we British call it) - I think it's horrible stuff :P |
| nipsmg:
If you decide to use particle board: MAKE SURE YOU USE AT LEAST 1x1's to fasten the boards together. DON'T screw one piece of particleboard directly into another. Yeah it might initially hold but it will EASILY come apart on you. Trust me. I did that.. Half of my cabinet is still that way, and I'm seriously thinking about getting 1x1's and going back inside it and reinforcing the boards again. it can be a NIGHTMARE otherwise. --NipsMG |
| Wade:
Use MDF (my recommendation) or Plywood! MDF: Cuts well (clean and doesn't chip) Perfect surface (for painted or decals) Routes well Holds screws well Heaviest Good price Plywood: Cuts okay (can chip and splinter) Good surface (not usually perfect) Routes okay (but can chip and splinter) Relatively light Holds screws well The better stuff is very expensive Particle board: Cuts okay Fair surface (not very good for paint or decals) Routes okay Chips and breaks easily WON'T hold screws Pretty heavy Cheapest Also, I expected MDF to be worse with water, but I got rain on one of my pieces and it was undetectable. Also left some scrap outside for weeks in the rain and it did expand slightly, but it was still perfectly smooth and still strong. It probably depends on the quality of MDF, mine held up surprisingly well. I don't think some of the old cabinets held up so well, probably were cheaper MDF. Plywood will be better, but I have also seen plywood delaminating on older games. IMO, water isn't a big concern for these cabinets because they will never be on location and I'd bet that 99% of these home built cabinets will be voluntarily destroyed in the next 20 years. Vs. a classic game that actually holds value to a lot of people and if in good condition, will usually find someone to preserve it. Wade |
| bionicbadger:
--- Quote from: Lilwolf on March 08, 2004, 03:53:17 pm ---Also note... it will be TOP heavy... nothing like bumping into it.. and realizing the center of gravity is inside the monitor.... and once it starts to go... it'll keep on going. Making it so the monitor can be removed easier and safer is a better bet then trying to come up with a different wood type... (not saying that MDF is the way to go... its just known to work well). Also consider not going with a 2x2 frame. Going with woodglue and 1x1's should be enought. The frame will never be good for much other then holding the joints together. When completed... your box will be stronger the the internal frame. And you will probalby not have as nice of joints in the end. --- End quote --- Build it strong and to last. I used 2x4 framing/bracing in my cabinet and I KNOW its strong. It has zero wobble, even if you lean on it. If you are going to build something, build it right, don't try to save $10 and have something doesn't feel solid. When my friend and I are hammering on the controls, I don't want the cabinet to wobble. |
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