Birch ply MFT protection.

[basssound]

So what's the best product to apply to my new birch ply MFT tops.
I'd like to water proof them somewhat and make the holes a bit slippier as they are really tight on the dogs.

 

[Doug71]

I have a few MFT tops from CNC Design in both birch ply and mdf. I have used varnish on all of them.
If I need to clean varnish out of the holes I put a 20mm spade bit in cordless drill, push it down through hole with drill not running then start drill and pull it back up through hole. Cleans out varnish and makes dogs fit just how I like.

Sounds a bit rough I know but works for me.

 

[basssound]

Anyone else for some input?

 

[AndyT]

Water based polyurethane, as sold for use on floors, would be suitable, I reckon, giving protection from glue etc but not being too slippery. Polyvine make some good stuff. Easy to apply, quick drying, no smell.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I used Liberon machine wax, which was possibly a bit heavy (they intend it for cast iron tops). I'm going with Briwax next time, I think. I don't want anything too solid as a coating as the dogs are a very snug fit in the holes.

 

[Bodgers]

So what's the best product to apply to my new birch ply MFT tops.
I'd like to water proof them somewhat and make the holes a bit slippier as they are really tight on the dogs.

Out of interest, why did you use Birch plywood for the MFT tops? Does that cause issues with splintering and delamination compared to MDF with them being somewhat 'sacrificial'?

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[Doug71]

So what's the best product to apply to my new birch ply MFT tops.
I'd like to water proof them somewhat and make the holes a bit slippier as they are really tight on the dogs.

Out of interest, why did you use Birch plywood for the MFT tops? Does that cause issues with splintering and delamination compared to MDF with them being somewhat 'sacrificial'?

Sent from my P027 using Tapatalk

I have not cut into any of my MFT tops yet. I generally have the rail hanging over the edge of bench and offcut falls on floor or I roll over another bench the same height for the waste side to rest on.

 

[basssound]

After calling CNC designs, they advised me to go for the birch ply as its more stable than MR MDF and the birch ply can be wet without it breaking down.
I'll be using mine solely outside so weather conditions change and I didn't want MDF or any materiel whuch doesn't stand up to a little rain.

 

[basssound]

Also I only intend to cut on mdf strips to save the face of the birch ply mft.

 

[Marineboy]

That’s what I do. Doug71’s method of having the cut over the edge of the top has one big disadvantage - dust collection is significantly impaired, at least it is with a Festool setup.