It appears that more and more, we're
using medium density fiberboard -- MDF -- to build jigs and other projects around
here. And we've been getting questions about it. So here's a quick look at what
it is, how to use it, and where to get it.
MDF is a manufactured wood product that's in the same family as particleboard.
But unlike particleboard, which is basically a mixture of wood chunks and shavings
held together with resin, MDF is a much more refined material. And the finer the
material, the tighter it can be compressed to form a denser, stronger panel.
To give you an example of how fine the fiber is, it takes approximately 23" of
fiber/resin mix to make a 3/4"-thick sheet of MDF. It takes only about 4" to 6"
of wood chips and sawdust to make a 3/4"-thick sheet of particleboard.
Breaking down wood into a fibrous material has a number of advantages. First,
there's no grain to it. This means that changes in humidity have no effect on
MDF -- it's very stable. And second, the finer material results in a smooth, flat,
uniform surface that makes it a perfect base for wood veneer and plastic laminate.
MDF can be worked like any other wood product as long as carbide cutters are used.
About the only thing you shouldn't do is run MDF through a thickness planer or
over an edge jointer. MDF is not usually stained or finished naturally. It's typically
covered with wood veneer or plastic laminate, or it's painted.
And we've found that MDF takes paint well. Unlike particleboard or plywood where
the surface texture shows through, MDF looks good with a coat of primer and a
couple coats of paint.
Unlike plywood, a standard sheet of MDF is 49" x 97" (the extra is for trimming).
Although it costs about twice as much as particleboard, it costs about half as
much as a sheet of cabinet grade plywood.
The only problem with it is that it can be hard to find. Not all lumberyards carry
it. Home centers rarely do. Try a builder's supply or cabinet makers supply. Or
try one of these numbers from my rolodex to locate a dealer near you: NPA (301)
670-0604, Georgia Pacific (800) 284-5347, Medite Corp. (541) 773-2522.
Follow-up comments originally appeared with Tip #15:
I mentioned how difficult it is to find MDF in some areas, I got an email from
David and Amanda Brook. They say we should try living in Australia or New Zealand
sometime. MDF, they say, is everywhere. It's real wood that's hard to find!
Go to Tip #11 |
