OSB Plywood

[JAMMA Guy]

Has anyone here built a cabinet out of OSB.

I'm having a terrible time getting a hold of MDF.  Most of the idiots in my area have never even hear of MDF and the folks that even know what I'm talking about don't have a supplier.  

I have one guy that can order me 3/4" MDO but I think he quoted me a price that insane (I'm thinking he said $50 per 4'x8' sheet ... I'll have to check with him again in person to make sure.).

The nearest place I can get a hold of 3/4" MDF is a Lowes 50 miles away  

Since AC Plywood has almost doubled in price since last year I'm definitely not going that route this year. ($40 or more for a 4'x8' sheet)

Just wondering if anyone has used OSB and what there experience was with it (ugly stuff ... apparently strong that 3/4" AC plywood but at the cost of CDX).

It's going to be laminated except for the 1/2" recesses ... I'll just paint them a glossy black.

Thanks for all replies in advance  

[DrewKaree]

Most of the idiots in my area have never even hear of MDF and the folks that even know what I'm talking about don't have a supplier.  

See if they have 1/8" hardboard, then take it to them and show them and then say "Now I need this stuff, but 3/4" thick".  That'll tell you if they're regular idiots, or the kind that should have helmets and a warning sign.

Where are you, BTW?  I'm guessing somewhere in North America, since you spoke of a Lowe's being near you.  That'll help.

[froggerman]

I am not sure about the US but in Canada OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and Particle board are completly different products. OSB is usually made from large pieces, chips, of wood where Particle board is made from sawdust. OSB is sometimes used in commercial arcade cabinets for bottom panels and internal shelves, just areas where it will not show.

MDO is also much different than MDF. It is normally used for signs. It has one side covered, or is it both, and is very smooth but also very expensive.

[JAMMA Guy]

They have 3/4" OSB ($19 per 4'x8' sheet)

Yes ... it's made from big ol' wood chips unlike particle board.

I'm located in West Virginia (near Gallipolis, OH) ... the worst place you could possibly live if you want MDF .... lol  

I was mainly concerned with chipout ... how well it excepted laminate ... and if it was easy to paint.

MDO is veneer core hardwood plywood overlaid with a pressed fiber material (MDF surface ... so both sides are smooth) ... best of both worlds.

Spystyle ... viewing your site ... you used particle board ... not OSB.

Here's a link that shows the difference between MDF, Particle Board, and OSB : http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/OSBMDFPart.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavHowTo

[Sylentwulf]

You really DON'T want OSB. I can't even fathom how on earth you would ever make it a finishable surface, and if it so much as thinks about getting wet it's gonna flake all over the place.

For $60 - you can get OSB. For $120 - you can get finish grade plywood. Yes, it's twice as much, but $120 for all the wood you need for the entire cabinet and control panel, it's not that bad. Most people spend more than that on artwork.
Hell, most people spend that much on a trackball/spinner setup.

[Wade]

OSB is about the worst thing you could use, don't even try it.  MDO would be great, or MDF.  I had no problem finding MDF at both Home Depot as well as the local lumber company (Evans), you should be able to find it pretty easily.

I'm in Charleston, WV, check out my website and let me know if you want to get together to do some gaming sometime, or just shoot the breeze.

http://webpages.charter.net/wadelanham/arcade/

Wade

They have 3/4" OSB ($19 per 4'x8' sheet)

Yes ... it's made from big ol' wood chips unlike particle board.

I'm located in West Virginia (near Gallipolis, OH) ... the worst place you could possibly live if you want MDF .... lol  

I was mainly concerned with chipout ... how well it excepted laminate ... and if it was easy to paint.

MDO is veneer core hardwood plywood overlaid with a pressed fiber material (MDF surface ... so both sides are smooth) ... best of both worlds.

Spystyle ... viewing your site ... you used particle board ... not OSB.

Here's a link that shows the difference between MDF, Particle Board, and OSB : http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/OSBMDFPart.html&rn=RightNavFiles/rightNavHowTo