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Particle board or MDF
RandyT:
Stay away from particle board at all costs. It's far less durable than MDF. Melamine isn't all that hot either, as it is very similar to particle board inside. But it does have a nice pre-made finish.
I wouldn't use plywood unless you plan on laminating it, or you spend the extra for hardwood laminated or MDO. Otherwise it'll just be ugly.
MDF was engineered for low cost cabinetry with all the desireable properties that go with that application. In other words, it was designed for what you want to do with it :). How well your project comes out with MDF (or any material for that matter) will depend on whether your construction methods are compatible with the material.
There are lots of different pieces of hardware that are specially designed for this type of material. If you choose to take shortcuts or use hardware designed for other purposes, the quality of your project will probably suffer as a result. Most of the time, the individuals that give MDF a bad rap never really gave it a proper chance. A little research goes a long way.
RandyT
unclet:
Dont use particle board....you are going to have this cabinet (you are making from scratch) around a long time, so you should make sure it lasts over the years....
I used 3/4 MDF board for the sides of my cabinet and for the control box and used 1/2 MDF board for all other panels.
IG-88:
I never have understood why everyone wants to go with 3/4 - 5/8 material anyways. I mean 1/2 with the inside corners screwed to 2x2's makes for a very stable cabinet at ALOT less weight and costs. Braced stategically, I wouldn't be afraid to use 3/8! Am I missing out on something?
RandyT:
--- Quote from: dolphinwaxer on April 02, 2003, 04:39:31 pm ---I never have understood why everyone wants to go with 3/4 - 5/8 material anyways. I mean 1/2 with the inside corners screwed to 2x2's makes for a very stable cabinet at ALOT less weight and costs. Braced stategically, I wouldn't be afraid to use 3/8! Am I missing out on something?
--- End quote ---
I think a good portion of the commercial cabs were made out of 3/4" material. This made them heavy and durable. The weight makes them more stable and less likely tip over when someone get's PO'd at the game and gives it a good kick :). The wood was also the only thing between the public and what was in the coin boxes, so that may have had a role as well. Less framing (no framing?) is required with 3/4", which means lower labor costs and quicker assembly.
The average person probably isn't worried about any of that stuff, so it might be overkill. But my personal feelings are, if it can't stand up to the abuse of the real deal it's not very authentic. I like a good solid "thump" when the side of it is slapped, rather than a hollow wooden drum sound :) .
RandyT
SirPoonga:
plus I only had 3/4" mdf has a choice.