Wood thickness for a bartop machine

[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.

[pointdablame]

Thanks for the tip, that may work really well.  I was not at all familiar with that before.

[Craig]

1/2 should be quite enough.

[menace]

I used 1/2" ply with the iron on laminate on my minicade.  Turns out very nice and you can naigate around pretty tight corners with it too.  with proper bracing it was plenty strong.