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Materials: MDF vs. Particleboard?
rdagger:
I recently used particle board for the CP of my cab. The top is Lexan. I routed out the bottom of the CP to flush mount a trackball with no problems. I also made several cuts using jig, circular & chop saws with no problems. It does tend to chip when drilled or screwed.
GadgetGeek:
You say particleboard, then talk about underlayment. I usually think of underlayment as OSB (Oriented strand board) and particle board as basically the same stuff that laminated RTA furniture and countertops are made out of (basically sawdust and glue put together under very high pressure). I would not use OSB for a cabinet. Surface it too uneven and contact paper would not look good on it. Since you are using an internal frame, Particle board should work just fine. However, because of its composition, corners can get chipped off fairly easy. MDF machines nicely, but is heavy. Plywood machines nicely as well but is $$$. If material cost isn't an issue, cabinet grade plywood (about $45/sheet around here) would be my suggestion.
2k:
build all my custom cabients out of particle board.. You wouldn't know the difference and its half the price.. Go with particle board. You just have to be a little careful. MDF has almost the same characteristics as particle board. Medium Denisty Fibre... Its just compressed carboard fibers so the whole will become worn out.. Build your cab out of Particle board with 2x2 subframe works like a charm...
Gamecab:
I liked Particleboard because of the weight but the drawbacks were the fact that it will warp and chip and is also pretty weak. My First cabinet was a lucid cab that I made from 5/8 PB and stuck in my basement. Without a dehumidifier the boards started to bend and sag after about a year. I then started to use MDF and was impressed by the weight and density of the wood. I also noticed that I had to replace my saw blades more often. MDF really looks nice and smooth and it paints up even better. The New 1UP Cab I built is made from MDF has shown no signs of warping at all.
paigeoliver:
Plywood, plywood, plywood, plywood.
MDF and particle board cabinets fall apart over time.
MDF and particle board cabinets are insanely heavy.
MDF and particle board cabinets soak up water like a sponge. Get them good and wet one time and they are a goner.
Have you ever bought any of that furniture at the store that you put together yourself? Ever notice how that stuff self destructs over time? Meanwhile 30-90 year old furniture made of plywood just holds up FOREVER.
Plywood cabinets are very sturdy, and will likely outlive you.
Plywood cabinets are light and easy to move.
If you take the innards out of a plywood cabinet, then you can turn the hose on it, with no damage at all. Plywood cabinets can even survive long periods of time relatively exposed to the weather.