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Just about to build my UAII...but read about MDF splitting?
ras2a:
--- Quote from: Santoro on July 23, 2004, 11:39:06 am ---I dunno, you brother sounds like he knows what he is taking about. Try it on scrap and see if you have better results than the rest of us.
--- End quote ---
Certainly will, and thanks again for all your help
Craig
pointdablame:
Your brother is both right and wrong... at least in my experiences. It is totally possible to use the correct pilot holes and screw gauges and then drill into the side of wood. However, this is not possible (again, in my experiences) with MDF. If you're using hardwoods, no problem at all. MDF is a whole other story though.
Your brother sounds knowledgeable, try it out on some scraps when he's around. He should see immediately that there is very little holding power when screwing into the side of the MDF.
Trust me, put up framing pieces and drill into those. First, drill AND glue the supports onto the MDF sides, then attach the other pieces into the framing, not the MDF. You'll be much happier, less aggravated, and have a MUCH MUCH sturdier cabinet.
sjgrover:
I wouldn't try it with 5/8" MDF, but when you use 3/4" it is possible to screw into the edge. Countersinking is a given but you also need to use drywall screws (they have coarser threads with a thin shank that holds without stripping in the MDF) and put one in every 3 inches but no closer than 1 1/2 inches from the end of the board.
bwest:
I have build alot of furniture and cabinets out of MDF and screw into the edge of MDF all the time. What everyone has said about pilot holes and screws sizes is definately a must.
However, screws alone have little holding strength in MDF. Screws are really only enough to hold the MDF in place while the glue dries. In addition, I cut dados and this all but stopped all splitting and improved the joints tremendously. However, you need a router, 3/4" straight bit, and a straight edge guide to do it.
Without the above, the ledger is the easiest to do.
JAMMA Guy:
I built a cabinet last year out of AC plywood ... this year I used MDF instead. It's every bit as strong as the AC with confirmat screws (no glue or dados required). A little Titebond doesn't hurt but it's fine without.
You don't need huge pine ledgers either ... I made my ledgers out of 3/4" x 3/4" MDF and I've already had my 80lb+ WG D9200 bolted into the cabinet and I didn't notice it falling apart ( ... all that does is add extra weight to the cabinet and take up space .. not that there's anything wrong with that ;D ).
Confirmat Screws
or
Hi-Lo Screws
(5mm x 40mm --> 5/8" or 7mm x 50mm 3/4")
Actually I've used the 5mm starter kit for 3/4" ... worked just fine if you need to save yourself a little money ( ... one kit does an entire cabinet)
Save yourself some trouble and buy the correct screws when working with MDF, Melamine, or Particle Board ... especially when screwing into the so called "end grain" ... I guess MDF has end grain ... hehe :P
Regular wood screws work fine everywhere else though.
Also ... these screws come with a special step pilot bit ... perfect pilot holes everytime.
The reason the MDF splits most of the time is that most wood screws are tapered which means your pilot hole has to be just right for the upper part of the screw or it will split
The wood screw itself is usually tapered too ... so only a fraction of it is actually holding the joint togehter. That's the cause for the weak holding power.
... the main cause of splitting though is normally the tapered wood screw head itself. If you tighten the wood screw to much the tapered head usually ends up busting out the pilot hole (usually that last turn of the screw driver that ends up ruining your day .... lol)
With the right knowledge and tools you can accomplish much (btw ... stop by the MAMEROOM forum sometime ... what's not covered in the plans I'll happily help you with (that's why the forum is there) ... I got a thread that almost walks you step by step through the building process ... I've built two UAII cabinets so I can help you through every step of the plans should you encounter a problem :) ).
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