Particleboard for the CP

[thehammer12]

I know MDF and plywood is better, but will particleboard handle typical arcade use and abuse?

My wood working skills are extremely basic so I wanted to practice on the cheap stuff before I waste a good 4x8 of MDF.

[AmericanDemon]

You will really want to buy a small piece if mdf for a control panel.   Particle board will rip away from your screws after playing on the cp. plus sliding your hands on the cp, you'll be likely to get a splinter. Trying to route a t-mould slot makes a giant splintery mess and a destroyed edge.  Honestly working with good wood is easier and less costly than trying with this stuff.

[ebarlow99]

I know MDF and plywood is better, but will particleboard handle typical arcade use and abuse?

My wood working skills are extremely basic so I wanted to practice on the cheap stuff before I waste a good 4x8 of MDF.

particle board no! mdf no! birch ply yes! or if you have access to a cnc have them cut it

[CaptainMarvel]

particle board no! mdf no!

Why "MDF no"  ??

[kahlid74]

I know MDF and plywood is better, but will particleboard handle typical arcade use and abuse?

My wood working skills are extremely basic so I wanted to practice on the cheap stuff before I waste a good 4x8 of MDF.

Particle board has a lot of issues but at the end of the day it's inability to cleanly route/T-Mold route makes it a nightmare for cabs.  As previously mentioned in the cab spend the money/time and get MDF for your CP only.  You'll be very happy.

[thehammer12]

Ok, so I am in the process of making a CP right now with the particle board.  Im starting to see why everyone says to go with MDF or ply, I don't mind the mess at all but it seems to me a little difficult to get the joints together with glue and screws. I finally solved the problem with L brackets and to be honest it didn't come out to bad.

But I also question how long this will last, only time will tell I guess.

[mgb]

Like already advised, it probably won't last well.
  How big is your cp? You can get mdf in many different sizes.
  At places like Home Depot, they even sell mdf shelves.

Are you using actual particle board like what actual arcade machines were made of or OBX which has larger shard like pieces glued together?

[thehammer12]

Like already advised, it probably won't last well.
  How big is your cp? You can get mdf in many different sizes.
  At places like Home Depot, they even sell mdf shelves.

Are you using actual particle board like what actual arcade machines were made of or OBX which has larger shard like pieces glued together?

Its actual particle board, no large shards anywhere.

[AmericanDemon]

Are you using actual particle board like what actual arcade machines were made of or OBX which has larger shard like pieces glued together?

I assumed that this was large shard particleboard. What you have will last longer but still not quite as long as mdf or other conventional woods.