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[POLL] - MDF or Plywood

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ahofle:

Has MDF changed in the last few years?  When I built my cabinet in 03 the MDF I used was quite a bit different from what I see in the hardware store now.  My friend just built a control panel out of MDF and it seemed to be softer with much finer fibers in it.

hbm*rais:

I used both.

MDF for the sides, because it's easier to cut the curves and looks really smooth when painted.

Ply for everything else, because it's lighter, cheaper (where I live, at least) and holds screws near the edges better.

Jouster:

I used MDF...mostly because I had never worked with it before and wanted to see what it was like.  I liked it...other than the mess it makes when cutting/routing/drilling it was very easy to work with.

I wanted the added weight compared to plywood also...my bartop is not light...but not heavy either.  I was afraid that with ply it would be too light.

I'd offer this advice though...pick one and build a cab...if you don't like it...build another cab out of something else...then chalk it up to experience...and get two cabs out of the deal!

Jouster

GAtekwriter:

I purchased 3 sheets of Sandiply (Home Depot).  Very smooth sides (but one side is always MUCH more finished than the other) and very flat/straight with zero warping.  Not as heavy as MDF and has the pros of wood.

Jim



deadkenndys1105:

MDF is some great stuff but its heavy as all hell.  It also leaves more dust than there is snow at the north pole.

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