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JB

Why MDF?

Is there any particular advantage in using MDF over ply when you need sheet materials. From what little I have tried to do so far ply has usually been about the same price and MDF seems to be prone to bowing under relatively light loads. So is there a reason I would choose to use MDF?
vegplot

Re: Why MDF?

Ply is generally far stronger and if you use SmartPly you'll have the assurance of an envoronmentally aware product. I don't see any particular advantages in using MDF unless you want a very smooth finish or a material which is very uniform in its composition.
Grimnir

There are more reasons not to use MDF - the main one being its carcinogenic dust. You should always wear a mask when working with it.
Nick

I think MDF is now banned in the States, and treated with similar contempt as asbestos.
Gill

MDF is no more carcinogenic than any other wood product and is perfectly safe to handle so long as the precautions are taken that are necessary with all wood products. Nor is MDF banned in the USA.

The Health & Safety Executive has published a risk assessment which states :

Quote:
there is no evidence that the ill-health effects associated
with exposure arising from the machining of MDF are
different from those associated with similar exposure arising
from machining other forms of wood.
boisdevie1

MDF or Ply. Both can be good/useful. Depends what you're trying to achieve.

Bois. A former cabinetmaker.
JB

boisdevie1 wrote:
MDF or Ply. Both can be good/useful. Depends what you're trying to achieve.

Bois. A former cabinetmaker.


OK so when would you use MDF?
Northern_Lad

JB wrote:
boisdevie1 wrote:
MDF or Ply. Both can be good/useful. Depends what you're trying to achieve.

Bois. A former cabinetmaker.


OK so when would you use MDF?


I'm guessing you'd use it for shaped edges and routing, also, when the end is going to be visible - even when you paint it you can see ply.
JB

Northern_Lad wrote:
JB wrote:
boisdevie1 wrote:
MDF or Ply. Both can be good/useful. Depends what you're trying to achieve.

Bois. A former cabinetmaker.


OK so when would you use MDF?


I'm guessing you'd use it for shaped edges and routing, also, when the end is going to be visible - even when you paint it you can see ply.


Fair point but I wouldn't use ply with the end exposed. Not only is it visible but it can be prone to splintering. So I'd usually have a piece of trim across the edge of the ply. Can you not use a router on ply?
Northern_Lad

JB wrote:
Fair point but I wouldn't use ply with the end exposed. Not only is it visible but it can be prone to splintering. So I'd usually have a piece of trim across the edge of the ply. Can you not use a router on ply?


Yeah, never tried it, but I imagine it's more prone to splintering, like you say.

MDF has the bonus of making use of all the by-product dust from normal machining.
Treacodactyl

The Wiki definition gives a few benefits, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-density_fibreboard
vegplot

If you're envronmentally aware MDF generally uses formaldehyde resins, SmartPly I believe doesn't. However, this doesn't detract from the material itself. It's useful in some carcessing which is designed to not be exposed to excess moisture but it doesn't possess great strength. It's one of those material that should have a 1001 uses but doesn't.
boisdevie1

You can't router plywood as the grain of the different layers of timber would leave a very rough edge. You can router MDF easily. MDF would also take paint better and makes a very good substrate for veneering. But veneered ply is fast to use and not expensive. And the edge can be hidden with some solid timber.
Feel free to ask more questions.
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