I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
that caters to the cabinet trade.
Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
MJ
"MJ" wrote:
> I can get
> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> that caters to the cabinet trade.
------------------------------------
If the lumber yard is within 10%-12%, why not support them?
If not, ask how close they can get.
These days yaw never know.
Lew
"Swingman" wrote:
> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making
> flat panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet
> smaller router bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ...
> the 15/64 is the smallest they had and the dado is still too big for
> the stock.
---------------------------------
Sounds like table saw and two passes time to me.
Lew
"Swingman" wrote
> Not all mdf's are created equal ... manufacturers of the better
> quality mdf's are very specific as what products it is made from, as
> well as the quality and number of refining steps.
>
> There can be a big difference in consistency (thickness,etc) and
> machinability, particularly with regard to the degree the product
> will take a crisp profile, important for tasks like the manufacture
> of interior doors.
>
> Also some mdf's, like "Medex", are better for exterior or damp
> locations.
>
> It you want a good cabinet quality mdf, see if you can find a local
> source for "Trupan", which also comes in grades that are as much as
> 30 to 80% lighter than the stuff you buy at the Borgs.
>
> Many cabinet shops use "Plum Creek Super-Refined MDF 2" which
> machines and paints well.
-------------------------------
SFWIW, Sierra Pine, an MDF producer here in California as well as one
of my customers, would certainly appreciate the business.
Lew
On 8/24/2010 12:14 PM, Leon wrote:
> "Swingman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 8/24/2010 8:51 AM, Leon wrote:
>>> "Steve Turner"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>>>>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>>>>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>>>>
>>>>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>>>>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>>>>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>>>>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>>>>
>>>>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>>>>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>>>>
>>>>> MJ
>>>>
>>>> So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot has
>>>> been pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the
>>>> 1/4"!
>>>> I bought some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4" in
>>>> thickness and it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your
>>>> dial
>>>> caliper with you just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that
>>>> shit
>>>> on the 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
>>>>
>>>
>>> Strangly enough I am beginning to see 1/4" thick 1/4" plywood again.....
>>>
>>
>> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making flat
>> panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet smaller router
>> bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ... the 15/64 is the
>> smallest they had and the dado is still too big for the stock.
>>
>> Pisser ....
>
>
> Yup, that was one of the reasons I switched to stub tennons and quit routing
> the slot. I do have a 7/32" bit if you want to use it. You realize 15/64
> is larger than 7/32. ;~)
Yep, but not too early ... I think I finally snapped to that in a little
college math course along the way ... something called Differential
Equations, or somesuch? lol
Our sterling mathematics ability is why you and I get out butts whipped
in Dominoes, but still have to count up the girl's points for them.
go figure ...
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 8/24/2010 12:21 PM, Leon wrote:
> "-MIKE-"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 8/24/10 11:56 AM, Swingman wrote:
>>>
>>> What you make on the banana's, you lose on the oranges ...
>>>
>>
>> LOL. That's a new one to me. Going in my brain, through.
>>
>
>
> Just for MY information, have you ever heard the term, Bossy Butt? ;~)
I know one ... :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Some use router bits to cut out slots, others use saws to cut out slots.
I use a stack dato. with metric width blades. My other one is Imperial.
Either way - metric is the imported board and not 1/2" or 11/16......
Martin
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Originator & Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/
On 8/23/2010 11:13 PM, Lobby Dosser wrote:
> "Martin H. Eastburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Examine the boards. Measure the boards. Often the Big Box stores
>> carry Metric plywood and other fab wood. From Chile.
>>
>> Making slots requires a metric saw blade.
>
> Huh? Maybe you mean router bit?
>
>> CHECK THICKNESS! not by label,
>> but by gauge. If metric is all you find, prepare for metric cuts.
>>
>> Martin
>>
>> Martin H. Eastburn
>> @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
>> "Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
>> TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
>> NRA Second Amendment Task Force Originator & Charter Founder
>> IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/
>>
>> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>>
>>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>>
>>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>>
>>> MJ
>
>
>
On 8/24/2010 8:51 AM, Leon wrote:
> "Steve Turner"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>>
>>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>>
>>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>>
>>> MJ
>>
>> So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot has
>> been pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the 1/4"!
>> I bought some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4" in
>> thickness and it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your dial
>> caliper with you just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that shit
>> on the 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
>>
>
> Strangly enough I am beginning to see 1/4" thick 1/4" plywood again.....
>
And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making flat
panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet smaller
router bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ... the 15/64 is
the smallest they had and the dado is still too big for the stock.
Pisser ....
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>
> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>
> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
Not all mdf's are created equal ... manufacturers of the better quality
mdf's are very specific as what products it is made from, as well as the
quality and number of refining steps.
There can be a big difference in consistency (thickness,etc) and
machinability, particularly with regard to the degree the product will
take a crisp profile, important for tasks like the manufacture of
interior doors.
Also some mdf's, like "Medex", are better for exterior or damp locations.
It you want a good cabinet quality mdf, see if you can find a local
source for "Trupan", which also comes in grades that are as much as 30
to 80% lighter than the stuff you buy at the Borgs.
Many cabinet shops use "Plum Creek Super-Refined MDF 2" which machines
and paints well.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On 8/24/2010 9:21 AM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "Swingman" wrote:
>
>
>> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making
>> flat panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet
>> smaller router bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ...
>> the 15/64 is the smallest they had and the dado is still too big for
>> the stock.
> ---------------------------------
> Sounds like table saw and two passes time to me.
Except that they're loose tenon and the router makes it much easier to
make a stopped cut without a bunch of cleanup.
What you make on the banana's, you lose on the oranges ...
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Steve Turner" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>
>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>
>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>
>> MJ
>
> So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot has
> been pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the 1/4"!
> I bought some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4" in
> thickness and it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your dial
> caliper with you just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that shit
> on the 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
>
Strangly enough I am beginning to see 1/4" thick 1/4" plywood again.....
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Swingman" wrote
>
>> Not all mdf's are created equal ... manufacturers of the better quality
>> mdf's are very specific as what products it is made from, as well as the
>> quality and number of refining steps.
>>
>> There can be a big difference in consistency (thickness,etc) and
>> machinability, particularly with regard to the degree the product will
>> take a crisp profile, important for tasks like the manufacture of
>> interior doors.
>>
>> Also some mdf's, like "Medex", are better for exterior or damp locations.
>>
>> It you want a good cabinet quality mdf, see if you can find a local
>> source for "Trupan", which also comes in grades that are as much as 30 to
>> 80% lighter than the stuff you buy at the Borgs.
>>
>> Many cabinet shops use "Plum Creek Super-Refined MDF 2" which machines
>> and paints well.
> -------------------------------
> SFWIW, Sierra Pine, an MDF producer here in California as well as one of
> my customers, would certainly appreciate the business.
>
> Lew
I wonder if they were a supplier to the new school in L.A.. Yeah it is
nation wide news...
Examine the boards. Measure the boards. Often the Big Box stores
carry Metric plywood and other fab wood. From Chile.
Making slots requires a metric saw blade. CHECK THICKNESS! not by label,
but by gauge. If metric is all you find, prepare for metric cuts.
Martin
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Originator & Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/
On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>
> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>
> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>
> MJ
Thanks to all who quickly responded.
To answer one question - I wouldn't buy from
the big box stores. There is a regional family
owned store that is like a HD (without the appliances)
that I shop at regularly that I have a discount card
for.
The cabinet supply company is a "wee bit" further
drive from me, so I was wondering if it made sense
to go up to them to get the MDF. Sounds like it
could be. At least at the wood supply place, they have some
nice Russian birch that I could also use!
The downside - it's a cash only business!
Thanks again to all!
MJ
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 8/24/2010 8:51 AM, Leon wrote:
>> "Steve Turner"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>>>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>>>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>>>
>>>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>>>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>>>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>>>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>>>
>>>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>>>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>>>
>>>> MJ
>>>
>>> So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot has
>>> been pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the
>>> 1/4"!
>>> I bought some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4" in
>>> thickness and it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your
>>> dial
>>> caliper with you just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that
>>> shit
>>> on the 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
>>>
>>
>> Strangly enough I am beginning to see 1/4" thick 1/4" plywood again.....
>>
>
> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making flat
> panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet smaller router
> bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ... the 15/64 is the
> smallest they had and the dado is still too big for the stock.
>
> Pisser ....
Yup, that was one of the reasons I switched to stub tennons and quit routing
the slot. I do have a 7/32" bit if you want to use it. You realize 15/64
is larger than 7/32. ;~)
On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>
> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>
> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>
> MJ
So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot has been
pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the 1/4"! I bought
some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4" in thickness and
it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your dial caliper with you
just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that shit on the 1/2" and 3/4"
sizes...
If you're asking about the _quality_ of the MDF, I think it's pretty much all
the same. The stuff I've seen at the local hardwood supply houses doesn't
appear to be any better or worse in quality than what you find at the Borg.
--
Free bad advice available here.
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
"Martin H. Eastburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Examine the boards. Measure the boards. Often the Big Box stores
> carry Metric plywood and other fab wood. From Chile.
>
> Making slots requires a metric saw blade.
Huh? Maybe you mean router bit?
> CHECK THICKNESS! not by label,
> but by gauge. If metric is all you find, prepare for metric cuts.
>
> Martin
>
> Martin H. Eastburn
> @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
> "Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
> TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
> NRA Second Amendment Task Force Originator & Charter Founder
> IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/
>
> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>>
>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>>
>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>>
>> MJ
--
National Socialism showed what can happen when very ordinary people get
control of a state and the merely opportunistic are regarded as
intellectuals.
Anthony Burgess
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 8/24/2010 8:51 AM, Leon wrote:
> > "Steve Turner"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >> On 8/23/2010 8:39 PM, MJ wrote:
> >>> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
> >>> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
> >>>
> >>> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
> >>> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> >>> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> >>> that caters to the cabinet trade.
> >>>
> >>> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
> >>> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
> >>>
> >>> MJ
> >>
> >> So far all the 1/2" and 3/4" MDF I've bought at Lowe's or Home Depot
has
> >> been pretty much spot-on in stated thickness, but watch out for the
1/4"!
> >> I bought some of that a year or so ago expecting it to be a full 1/4"
in
> >> thickness and it was "plywood" thickness instead (7/32")! Bring your
dial
> >> caliper with you just in case. I hope they don't start pulling that
shit
> >> on the 1/2" and 3/4" sizes...
> >>
> >
> > Strangly enough I am beginning to see 1/4" thick 1/4" plywood again.....
> >
>
> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making flat
> panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet smaller
> router bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ... the 15/64 is
> the smallest they had and the dado is still too big for the stock.
>
> Pisser ....
>
> --
> www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 4/15/2010
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
I understand your problem. I use a 5.5mm Cutter & Spacer on my
sticking/coping for plywood panels, which is about 0.2" (0.21653543") and
sometimes my hardwood veneer plywood still isn't tight, but it's better. I
don't need spaceballs though.
I don't know what is available for router type bits, as I don't have any
router-type door sets. If the router sets are stacked, maybe a good
sharpening company could cut down some 1/4" to a better size for you.
Have a good day, woodstuff
On 8/24/10 11:56 AM, Swingman wrote:
>
> What you make on the banana's, you lose on the oranges ...
>
LOL. That's a new one to me. Going in my brain, through.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
On 8/24/2010 10:21 AM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "Swingman" wrote:
>
>
>> And I keep having to buy smaller and smaller router bits. Making
>> flat panel doors yesterday and had to go to Rockler to buy a yet
>> smaller router bit for 1/4" plywood that is barely 7/32" thick ...
>> the 15/64 is the smallest they had and the dado is still too big for
>> the stock.
> ---------------------------------
> Sounds like table saw and two passes time to me.
Yep. Or Home Despot--they've got 7/32 bits purpose made for this.
"Martin H. Eastburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Some use router bits to cut out slots, others use saws to cut out slots.
> I use a stack dato. with metric width blades. My other one is Imperial.
Ah, the post said 'blade' and I assumed singular.
In article
<[email protected]>,
MJ <[email protected]> wrote:
> I am about to start a major (for me, anyways) project
> that will use MDF for a shop assembly table.
>
> The MDF is used for the sides and top. I can get
> MDF from the local big box stores (and one regional
> store, which I'd prefer) OR the lumber dealer
> that caters to the cabinet trade.
>
> Is there big differences in the MDF sold by Lowes, HD
> and a cabinet supply shop? 3/4 is what I need.
>
> MJ
My local yard is consistently cheaper then the big-box store, and
usually higher quality
--
--------------------------------------------------------
Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org
This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read
RV and Camping FAQ can be found at
http://www.ralphandellen.us/rv
"-MIKE-" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 8/24/10 11:56 AM, Swingman wrote:
>>
>> What you make on the banana's, you lose on the oranges ...
>>
>
> LOL. That's a new one to me. Going in my brain, through.
>
Just for MY information, have you ever heard the term, Bossy Butt? ;~)