MDF smoothness suitability for router table top

[RogerS]

After much deliberation ( and for many varied reasons) I've decided to build a quick-and-dirty bench using several sheets of 18mm MDF for the working surface. I intend to insert a router plate into the top with various other goodies but am wondering about the relative smoothness of MDF as the final surface.

I've noticed that other folks going down this route have finished the top surface on their router tables using a sheet of laminated hardboard (and to the touch it is much smoother than MDF).

But I was thinking that a large white worktop might not be ideal..glare etc..and so wondered if there was a way to get MDF smoother?

Or would folks go down the tried and tested laminated hardboard route?

Many thanks

Roger

 

[Alf]

wondered if there was a way to get MDF smoother?

Varnish and wax

Cheers, Alf

 

[Anonymous]

Roger

My NYW router table was built using two 18mm MDF sheets glued and screwed together. I gave it 4 or 5 coats of tough polyurethane and it worked perfectly.

Only got rid of it as I received some free laminated MDf sheet and made mark II to accommodate a new fence.

 

[Johnboy]

I used acrylic varnish and wax. Works great.

John

 

[RogerS]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Roger