Mdf vs. MDO

[Zachmeadows51]

Well I almost have everything ready to build my arcade cabinet. I went to Home Depot to get certain supplies I was lacking. I began talking with this contractor with 20 years experience that told me that even though I was getting ready to use MDF, I should reconsider and use MDO instead. I was wondering what is your guys experience and which way should I go in. Tis is the foundation, so I really don't want to mess it up. I plan on using a 32" flat screen.(I say this because it will be the heaviest thing that my arcade will have to hold.) thanks.

[Slig]

I have only been researching arcade cabinet making for a month, and have not built one yet so my knowledge and opinion are limited. Everything I have gathered so far though has pointed to MDO being the most ideal wood. Extra so if you are going to paint it, since it has such a smooth uniform surface.

This is a quote from the 2nd edition of John St Clair's book "Project Arcade":

"Despite the higher cost, you’ll be very happy choosing MDO for your cabinet.
Working with MDO is easier than working with either plain plywood or
MDF, and gives you the best features of both. Having used plywood, MDF, and
MDO in various builds in the past, I will never again use anything but MDO,
given the choice."

The only problem is it seems ultra hard to find. Which is why I made the post (that you kindly responded to) asking if anyone knew where to find it in Southern AZ hehe.

[Yenome]

mdo is mdf just better, it's mdf at the core and Some cover over it. but like saint book says mdo is better good to go with it   if you can afford it

[Zachmeadows51]

I know that MDO is layered and can be noticed on the edges, does that cover up well with paint, or is it noticeable? Also with MDF, if it isn't pre-primed, you have to use an oil based primer before you even touch it with paint. Is MDO similar in the use of primer, or is any primer fine with this. MDF is known for not breaking when drilled, does MDO follow it's pattern. Sorry for asking so many questions, but this is the main major component of the arcade and if I f*** it up, there is hell to pay for me. 

[Slig]

Well Plywood makes up the core of MDO, and the outsides which can be one or 2 sided are not MDF which is sawdust and glue basically. It is actually phenolic resin coated paper layers, which is highly highly water resistant. That is why it is the wood used in outdoor signs, commercial cement forming, and boat decking. This is the opposite of MDF which absorbs water like a sponge.

As far as the exposed edges... That is what T-Molding is for

[Yenome]

ahh seems i was thinking wrong mdo is what the last guy said not mdf like i said i fail. been a while since i read bout it. but i would still go with mdo if given the choice, its just better overall

[Zachmeadows51]

I see, I'll make sure to go with MDO. Now is 3/4" thickness really better than 1/2" thickness for the word, or is anything bigger than 1/2" just showing off? It doesn't matter about the money, I don't plan to be cheap on the foundation, I just want to know if that is just too much?

[Yenome]

most of the cabs i have looked at use 5/8 which is right below 3/4 so if you can only get it in 1/2 and 3/4 go with 3/4th.