MDF or Plywood for Control Panel ?

[meta87]

Hey,

I got a 4x8 sheet of mdf (5x8) and a 4x8 sheet of plywood (5x8).  Which would you use for the control panel. I used the mdf for the rest of the cabinet, but noticed you can rip the screw out easier than in plywood. Will this be a problem if I use mdf? I can just see one of my moron friend getting mad and ripping the joystick right out of the controlpanel.

Thanks!

[Tiger-Heli]

Shouldn't be a problem if you are using carriage bolts for the joysticks.  Wood screws might not hold as well in the MDF, but they might not do as well in the plywood either . . .

[Lilwolf]

Use carrior bolts and nuts... And MDF...

plywood it too rough and not worth the time.

[Mike]

It's also easier to round the edges or cut a t-molding slot in mdf.

[locash]

Use MDF it will be easier for you to get good results.

You can use screws if you want but make sure you are using wood screws (not drywall screws).  Use rolled screws, not cut screws.  The threads on rolled screws are wider than the shank, on cut screws the threads and shank are the same width.  Drill pilot holes as close to the width of the shank as possible.  And don't overtighten, the wood that is interlocking with the threads can be sheared out of the hole.

And if you are still concerned, use carriage bolts as suggested by others.

[SNAAAKE]

I say mdf..easy to drill(for some reason that sounds little...errr)

"easy to screw" LOL !

plywood is way to0 rough so avoid !

[AlanS17]

Yeah plywood can be hard to curves into. It's also not as easy to route... Plus I've found that spade bits work better for drilling MDF than hole saws. The hole saw gets all full of sawdust and it won't cut any further. A spade bit just chews away.

[SirPoonga]

MDF is much easier to work with, you probably know that already.  Plywood would be a little lighter.

I had no problem with wood screws in my mdf.  Just don;t screw into ends, but that;s the same with plywood too.