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MDF or plywood for CP?

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MagicManPA:
No curved cuts here. I don't have a router or jigsaw. My CP will be a rectangle. I'll sand the exposed edges. When I go to Home Depot to pick up the wood, I'll see if they have MDO as I like that option most.


--- Quote from: NoBullMAME on December 29, 2010, 01:02:11 pm ---If you go with MDF, I'd recommend a making your curved cuts with a router not a jigsaw, unless you get a blade made for MDF (maybe carbide tipped)?
But if you don't use a router a lot it can be hard to control.

Have you thought of particle board? Most arcades from the 80's were made out of PB. If you get west coast pine, it's pretty strong, plus the dust isn't as bad for you (more wood and glue less other c#$p). If you do opt for PB, don't use sanding sealer, but paint it with a gray primer (I use the 99 cent flat gray paint from Walmart). Paint, sand with a fine sandpaper and repeat. I do three layers then paint it flat black and it looks just like MDF.

I've never used MDO, but regular plywood is a pain. IMHO, stay away from it unless you plan on doing a wood finish. The layers make it really hard to route the sides for t-molding.

--- End quote ---

gman900:
i prefer using birch, my cabinets are used outside so it more durable

RandyT:

MDO is the best, but very expensive.  It's essentially an outdoor grade plywood with an MDF surface.  It comes in good one side or both.  Used a lot in the sign business.

MDF is the next best thing.  It cuts clean and you can sand it nice and smooth, even if you get a ragged edge.  Don't put it outside or get it wet, unless you have sealed it well with a good enamel.  Be careful screwing into the edges....it hates that.  There are special fasteners that work great with it, but can be a little tricky to install.

Plywood is ok, if you get some good stuff with a hardwood veneer.  Also expensive.  Cheap stuff with a raw finish is ok if you plan to add a rigid laminate.  If you try to use regular plywood, you'll need to do a lot of work to get rid of the grain.  It also warps easy.

Particle board works, but you have to be careful.  I never thought I would find something heavier than MDF, then I tried dealing with PB.  They make the stuff out of glue and sawdust, and an occasional stone and metal filing.  Can be rough on tools if you run into stuff that's not supposed to be there.  It's also not very durable.  What mushes down or peels a corner on MDF, breaks it off with PB.  Probably the cheapest option, though.

FWIW.

MagicManPA:
I went w/MDF. Should finish drilling out the button holes tonight.

Donkbaca:
gman - do you have a website?  Your cabs are used outside! How do you protect everything from the elements?

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