MDF Thickness?

[DinoRoger]

I decided to go with all MDF for my next case and wanted some opionions.  What thickness to you suggest for the main part of the cab (sides).  What about making the control panel from MDF, thinkness suggestions or hints?

Also lamanent vs paint.  What would you suggest on MDF.

[Sasquatch!]

For the most part, 3/4" is the width of choice around these here parts.  And part of MDF's appeal is that it paints so well, so that'd be my vote.

[slug54]

   3/4" and Paint.
I don't know why you would make the C-panel out of a different size then the cab. That would mean buying a different sheet just for the C-panel. Chances are you will route your sticks in the panel anyway.

                         Slug54

[Homebrew]

The reason for using a different thickness on the CP is to allow for a lexan/plexi overlay.  What most people do is use 3/4" for everything but the CP top.  In place of 3/4" mdf,  5/8' mdf is used with a layer of 1/8" lexan/plexi.  This brings the total CP thickness to 3/4" allowing the use of 3/4" t-molding.  Not everyone uses lexan/plexi on the CP so its up to your personal preferences.  

-Kevin

[Sasquatch!]

The reason for using a different thickness on the CP is to allow for a lexan/plexi overlay.  What most people do is use 3/4" for everything but the CP top.  In place of 3/4" mdf,  5/8' mdf is used with a layer of 1/8" lexan/plexi.  This brings the total CP thickness to 3/4" allowing the use of 3/4" t-molding.

Whoa, that's like a lot of math.      

[Geekboy]

The reason for using a different thickness on the CP is to allow for a lexan/plexi overlay.  What most people do is use 3/4" for everything but the CP top.  In place of 3/4" mdf,  5/8' mdf is used with a layer of 1/8" lexan/plexi.  This brings the total CP thickness to 3/4" allowing the use of 3/4" t-molding.  Not everyone uses lexan/plexi on the CP so its up to your personal preferences.  

-Kevin

The only problem is, is finding 5/8" MDF.  I have a Lowes and Home Depot right around the corner from my house.  They only carry 3/4".  

I wish I could find 5/8" MDF.  I would like to build my whole cab from that.

[Homebrew]

I'm in the same boat Geekboy.  I can't even find 5/8" plywood in my area.  I'd really like to add a lexan/plexi cover to my CP, so i'm toying with some other ideas.  I can get 1/2" MDF and use 1/4" plexi, but i'm not too fond of that option.  I could also use 1/2" MDF with the normal 1/8" plexi, but then i'll need some 5/8" t-molding.  Decisions decisions.

-Kevin

[Wienerdog]

Hi, I just wanted to voice my suggestion that you look for MDO instead of MDF if you are painting.  You'll get the low weight and high strength of plywood with the face of MDF.  I heard MDO was hard to find, but I saw several dimensions at my local Menards.  However, my local Home Depot only carries 3/4" MDF.

[RandyT]

Hi, I just wanted to voice my suggestion that you look for MDO instead of MDF if you are painting.  You'll get the low weight and high strength of plywood with the face of MDF.  I heard MDO was hard to find, but I saw several dimensions at my local Menards.  However, my local Home Depot only carries 3/4" MDF.

If you have a decent budget to work with, MDO gives the best of both worlds.  Surface quality and weight.  But if you are running lean on cash, MDF is the better bet.

I've seen 3/4" MDO run upwards of $50 a sheet!  

RandyT