Where to find 5/8" MDF in MA?

[MisterB]

Well, this was not what I anticipated being my first post.  But my plans are complete, most of my parts are in, and I'm ready to being building my first cabinet this weekend.  The only problem is that I can't find any 5/8" MDF!  I have tried several Home Depots and lumber yards, and the best I can do is 3/4".  I'd prefer not to go that size, if I can avoid it.

So now I am resorting to BYOAC, because the people here always seem to have the answers.  Are there any Massachusetts folks out there who know where I can find some 4x8 5/8" MDF?  I'm in metrowest, but will travel if I need to.

Thanks for any help.

MisterB

[rampy]

Smack and Peale are both massholes so maybe they know =P (just some teasing from a lowly nutmegger)

Sounds like you've already toured the Home Depot's near you.   I've seen some HD's carry it and most others that don't (in CT)

Have you tried a real lumberyard or hardware store or a contractors wharehouse (i.e. NOT a home improvement consumer place) Just an idea.

Sorry couldn't be more specific -- hope that helps.

Rampy

[SirPeale]

Smack and Peale are both massholes so maybe they know =P (just some teasing from a lowly nutmegger)

What?  Poo on you!  You think I look like a lowly Flatlander?  I LIVE IN VERMONT, buddy!  You know, the Green MOUNTAIN State?

Masshole, indeed.

 

[Vectoraster]

I'd prefer not to go that size, if I can avoid it.

Hi.  My first MAME cab was a LuSiD design and the plans call for 5/8" mdf - or particleboard, I can't remember. . . Anyway I couldn't find any either (in Minnesota) so I bought 3/4" and I was very happy in the end when I did.

Is there any reason why you're avoiding 3/4" because if it's only due to the plans don't specifically call for it you may be surprised about how much you like it.  I've seen 5/8" now and it's less sturdy.  Most Arcade machines (like Williams, Namco, Midway, etc . . . ) use 3/4" - Donkey Kong is the only one I can remember that was 5/8" plywood.

-VR-

[pmc]

The only problem is that I can't find any 5/8" MDF!  I have tried several Home Depots and lumber yards, and the best I can do is 3/4".  I'd prefer not to go that size, if I can avoid it.

So now I am resorting to BYOAC, because the people here always seem to have the answers.  Are there any Massachusetts folks out there who know where I can find some 4x8 5/8" MDF?  I'm in metrowest, but will travel if I need to.

I had the same problem (I'm in metrowest too). I bought the 3/4" which really worried me because it was so damn heavy. After building the cabinet, I'd have it no other way. The 3/4" is structurally stronger and the additional weight is not that significant. Besides, I'm on casters.

Get the 3/4". I have an extra sheet if you want a discount and will pick it up.

[AlanS17]

The only advantage you'll find from 5/8" is when you're building your control panel. Then 5/8" plus 1/8" makes 3/4" so t-molding is a snap. Otherwise there's no reason not to use 3/4" for the rest of the machine. You can even use 3/4" for the control panel if you don't mind laying the plexi/lexan on top.

[pmc]

The only advantage you'll find from 5/8" is when you're building your control panel. Then 5/8" plus 1/8" makes 3/4" so t-molding is a snap. Otherwise there's no reason not to use 3/4" for the rest of the machine. You can even use 3/4" for the control panel if you don't mind laying the plexi/lexan on top.

and Home Depot in the metrowest Boston area does carry 5/8" in quarter-sheets so you can pick up just enough for a control panel. Personally, I used 3/4" which I'm happy with, but I have yet to overlay my lexan or wrestle with T-molding so I don't yet know if I've made a mistake.

I always figured they don't carry 5/8" in full sheets because maybe it's too thin and breaks easier at that size? Maybe? I don't know... but maybe there's a reason you don't see it carried...

[MisterB]

Thanks for the input.

Rather than spending my time on the phone hunting for 5/8" MDF, I decided to with the 3/4".  For the cabinet, it is extremely sturdy (although those 4x8 sheets are REALLY heavy).  But as you mentioned, 5/8" would be ideal for the control panel, so I get 3/4" when the plexi is added.

Do you know which HD location stocks the 5/8" quarter panels?