Why MDF and not Particle?

[Xynie]

I bought the UltimateMachine II instructions, since I am not much of a builder, this will make it easier on my friends  Anyways, on the list of materials, it says use particle board, but around here a lot of people seem to be saying to use MDF instead....

Can anyone tell me why?  What are the advantages to MDF over PB?

Thanks
Anthony

[rampy]

It's more durable and paints better (mdf)... but it's also heavier and costs more.

*shrug*

Rampy

[AlanS17]

The stuff isn't the expensive. It's worth it. It IS heavier, though. But it doesn't flake apart when you use it, doesn't soak up water like a sponge AS bad, and cuts drills soooo pretty. It'll make anybody look like a professional.

[TrickyFishy]

Does MDF hold a screw any better or worse than PB?

[steve_pss]

MDF is VERY forgiving of rookie woodworking. 'Nuff said.

[outcast_p]

and as they said, it paints better. that is what i found out when building my first cab....

[rampy]

Does MDF hold a screw any better or worse than PB?

I would say it holds it better.  It doesn't stand up to repeated screwing and screwing though, as well as say ...plywood.  not that I recommend screwing and unscrewing stuff into the same hole on your cabinet but... it does happen occasionally

rampy

[Wade]

I didn't think the MDF sheets were that heavy, it really seemed to me to be lighter than PB...  of course I haven't weighed them or anything.

MDF can take a screw into the side pretty well (NOT the edge... never try that).  PB has a lot of problems with that.  I think MDF is better tha PB for an arcade game in practically all respects except cost (and the cost difference in price is pretty minor).  PB chips and breaks easily and doesn't take screws very well, it also won't take paint as nicely as MDF.

Wade

[rampy]

The irony of all of this discussion is that original arcade cabinets were/are mostly particle board.

Granted I bet they used industrial grade particle board, but still.  For the hobbyist MDF is much easier to work with IMHO.

Technically MDF is a type of particle board... just more/better compressed/denser particles... so put that in our pipes and smoke it!  (figuratively only please: you don't want to be smoking MDF -- w/formaldeheyde)

Rampy

[EggZilla]

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

[rampy]

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

Medium Density Fiberboard, I believe.

rampy

[JLR2000]

At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, may I ask: what exactly does MDF stand for? I've been wondering for ages.

Medium Density Fiberboard, I believe.

rampy

Yep, that's right.