How stable is MDF?

[MikeG.]

Thanks Olly. My hesitation with the router is that it throws dust all over the place, and I really don't like MDF dust. If I ever use MDF I normally saw it by hand so that the dust just drops straight down ready for a quick vacuum.

Just for the record, I do use it occasionally for molds, pattern making, mocking-up etc......but I can't remember ever using it for anything permanent previously.

Someone asked why I hate it. I do woodwork because I love wood, and I'm afraid I think of MDF as glorified cardboard.

Mike

 

[plymouth pirate]

These are about eight to ten years old now and are still doing a sterling job.
There is also a shower in the room, so there is often moisture in the air.


Standard MDF and painted with emulssion.
Rgds
John

 

[chippy1970]

I understand the "Hate MDF" thing (i.e. I know what is meant when someone says that).

I think MDF is one of those love/hate things. It's horrible to work with from a dust point of view. Not particularly satisfying to work with. But you're sucked in by the capability of MDF.

Yeah but you shouldnt work with any material without some form of extraction. I work with MDF all the time and use a TS55 connected to a midi vac so get hardly any dust. Even if you cannot afford a Festool system you can still buy a cheap extractor and work dust free...ish.

Name another material that comes in sheet form and can be edge routed with any moulding.

 

[head clansman]

hi mike

From what your just said, it ,s then not a problem being a two small an airing cupboard which is two hot inside, you climatised the timber,( i take your point about when two doors warp), just a thought have you tried ventilators top and bottom of door to ventilate any excess heat or indeed moisture . hc good luck

 

[Doug B]

Very

 

[Cicero1529]

:lol:

Even more spooky, I am also planning on making new doors for my airing cupboard shortly...


...in oak!


True to form though, I will be cheating by applying strips of oak onto sheets of 12mm veneered MDF to give the look of panelled doors. Normal framed doors would almost certainly twist under such extreme conditions; the trouble is there is just no way of knowing in advance how the wood will behave.

MDF is very stable and ideal for the job.

Brad

Do you attempt to hide edges with oak?

 

[joesoap]

Go for the green coloured m r grade . Very stable and a better finish with good clean edges . Well worth the extra pennies . Cheers !