Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Xynie on July 10, 2003, 04:44:04 pm

Title: Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: Xynie on July 10, 2003, 04:44:04 pm

I bought the UltimateMachine II instructions, since I am not much of a builder, this will make it easier on my friends :)  Anyways, on the list of materials, it says use particle board, but around here a lot of people seem to be saying to use MDF instead....

Can anyone tell me why?  What are the advantages to MDF over PB?

Thanks
Anthony

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: rampy on July 10, 2003, 04:56:13 pm

It's more durable and paints better (mdf)... but it's also heavier and costs more.

*shrug*

Rampy

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: AlanS17 on July 10, 2003, 05:14:37 pm

The stuff isn't the expensive. It's worth it. It IS heavier, though. But it doesn't flake apart when you use it, doesn't soak up water like a sponge AS bad, and cuts drills soooo pretty. It'll make anybody look like a professional.

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: TrickyFishy on July 11, 2003, 12:31:46 am

Does MDF hold a screw any better or worse than PB?

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: steve_pss on July 11, 2003, 12:56:25 am

MDF is VERY forgiving of rookie woodworking. 'Nuff said.

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: outcast_p on July 11, 2003, 03:18:59 am

and as they said, it paints better. that is what i found out when building my first cab....

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: rampy on July 11, 2003, 08:40:59 am

Quote from: TrickyFishy on July 11, 2003, 12:31:46 am

Does MDF hold a screw any better or worse than PB?

I would say it holds it better.  It doesn't stand up to repeated screwing and screwing though, as well as say ...plywood.  not that I recommend screwing and unscrewing stuff into the same hole on your cabinet but... it does happen occasionally

rampy

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: Wade on July 11, 2003, 11:15:15 am

I didn't think the MDF sheets were that heavy, it really seemed to me to be lighter than PB...  of course I haven't weighed them or anything.

MDF can take a screw into the side pretty well (NOT the edge... never try that).  PB has a lot of problems with that.  I think MDF is better tha PB for an arcade game in practically all respects except cost (and the cost difference in price is pretty minor).  PB chips and breaks easily and doesn't take screws very well, it also won't take paint as nicely as MDF.

Wade

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: rampy on July 11, 2003, 11:23:53 am

The irony of all of this discussion is that original arcade cabinets were/are mostly particle board.

Granted I bet they used industrial grade particle board, but still.  For the hobbyist MDF is much easier to work with IMHO.

Technically MDF is a type of particle board... just more/better compressed/denser particles... so put that in our pipes and smoke it!  (figuratively only please: you don't want to be smoking MDF -- w/formaldeheyde)

Rampy

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: EggZilla on July 11, 2003, 11:59:51 am

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: rampy on July 11, 2003, 12:04:07 pm

Quote from: EggZilla on July 11, 2003, 11:59:51 am

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

Medium Density Fiberboard, I believe.

rampy

Title: Re:Why MDF and not Particle?
Post by: JLR2000 on July 11, 2003, 01:12:06 pm

Quote from: rampy on July 11, 2003, 12:04:07 pm

Quote from: EggZilla on July 11, 2003, 11:59:51 am

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

Medium Density Fiberboard, I believe.

rampy

Yep, that's right.