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Wood thickness for a bartop machine
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pointdablame:
I'm drawing up some plans for a bartop project I'm gonna put together with some extra parts I have.  Should I use 1/2" or 3/4" MDF for this?  Will 1/2 " be strong enough for the entire cab, or perhaps something like a 3/4" sheet for the bottom, 1/2" everywhere else, etc.

Just looking for some opinions, so if any of you guys have bartops, let me know what you used.  Thanks.
zaphod:
I used 3/4" ply throughout as I had it on hand.  Very strong but also quite heavy!  

You should be able to get by with 1/2" for the top, bottom and back.  If you went with 1/2" for the sides, you might have problems with finding T-molding.   If you use 1/2", you may need a bit more internal bracing but that's no big deal.
Tilzs:
1/2 t-molding

http://www.t-molding.com/cart/customer/home.php?cat=7
pointdablame:
Thanks for the replies.  I'm thinking 1/2" should be fine, and luckily, my local Home Depot actually carries it, and in nice 2x4 sheets (my local Home Depot rarely carries ANYTHING, damn store)

I'm debating on T-molding also. I have absolutely everything I need for this machine except the wood, so I was thinking about alternate ways to finish the edges.  I have a feeling just painting won't look so hot.  I was thinking of rounding the edges or something to that effect, but since I have no router and would need to buy one for that, I might as well just buy a slot cutting bit too and do t-molding.  However, all of that jumps the price of this cab from under $50 to probably $150+

I'll figure something out I suppose.  If anyone has finished edges any other ways besides tmolding, let me know.
zaphod:
Depending upon how tight the curves of your cab will be, iron-on laminate banding might work nicely for you.  All the hardware stores would have it.  I picked up a decent-sized roll (25'?) of 3/4" oak for about $5.  Just iron it on, then trim off the edges.  It'll handle paint just like the rest of the cabinet or would look fine as-is if you are leaving the wood in it's natural state.  In case you are unfamiliar with banding:
http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/veneerEdging.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavLumber

Just one idea.
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