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Wood for Cabinets

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babydickonboard:
for only 10ish dollars more, i would go for the MDF.  you don't want to have to worry as much about  durablilty, or of moisture being introduced and the wood sucking it up like a sponge...which is practically unrepairable.  MDF also seems to be the wood of choice for people building machines due to its affordabilty.  i would spend the extra 20-30$ and get MDF.

CJK:
I think what you're talking about is technically called "OSB" -- oriented strand board. It's a more economical board than plywood and is used extensively in the construction business as sheathing for roofs and walls and as a subfloor material.

Although it will hold fasteners well and is strong, it doesn't machine well (worse than regular plywood due to the random orientation of the chips) and it's difficult to get a good finish due to the varying fiber orientations and compositions on the outer surfaces.

I'd use plywood, personally. If you don't mind sanding, go for a lower grade (B-C rather than A-C) if you can find sheets without visible knots on the outer plies. You'll save some $ that way.

-- Chris

Avery:
If you mean OSB, I'm going to agree with those saying don't do it.

spystyle:
(In my opinion)

If you think about it in perspective:

This big cabinet is going to be a piece of furniture in your home.

While you may slap one together using rediculously cheap materials, and save as much as $50, in the end you'll have a cabinet with a very poor texture that is even visible under flat black paint.

Also, it takes so much time to make one why not use atleast standard building materials?

The cabinet will be surrounded by your friends and family and they will notice. It may even become an heirloom!

How many Pac-Man machines are still around today after 20+ years? Why should your creation be any different?

I think the best low-cost solution is 5/8" MDF, reinforced (inside) with 2X4's. It'll be strong enough to last (without bowing) and smooth enough to have a nice texture.

Think about the future, if your cabinet is very nice it'll be there.

Dig it?
Craig

wallyhooker:
another vote for MDF.  You'ld be pretty much insane not to spend the few extra bucks.  Your cuts will be much smoother and straighter, and the sides will be nice and smooth.  You could sand and prime literally for days and it will never look as good as mdf.  Please trust us!

Wally

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