MDF Moisture resistant or standard?

[shed9]

About to purchase some MDF board to finish my Hammer K3 / Incra bench and not sure of the best material for the top surface.

I avoid MDF like the plague - mostly because of the nasty chemicals in it, however this is clearly the better choice for a dimensionally stable work top especially as I intend to use this as a router table and MFT style bench.

Anyhow, I'm ignorant in the was of the MDF, I can't get the HDF stuff for love of money where I am (South West Wales) so do I just get plumb normal MDF or do I need the moisture resistant stuff? My shop is not damp but open to advice.

 

[petermillard]

MR MDF is a much better board, for very little extra cost. Buy branded boards (e.g. Medite) from a reputable supplier and take the usual precautions when cutting, machining and sanding - just a you should with any woodworking. It might be worth noting that Formaldehyde (the 'nasty chemical' used in MDF production) is commonly used in the clothing industry as a finishing agent; you're more likely to be at risk of formaldehyde exposure by wearing a cheap Chinese shirt straight out of the packet than you are from working with MDF, IMHO.

HTH Pete

 

[shed9]

MR MDF is a much better board, for very little extra cost. Buy branded boards (e.g. Medite) from a reputable supplier and take the usual precautions when cutting, machining and sanding - just a you should with any woodworking. It might be worth noting that Formaldehyde (the 'nasty chemical' used in MDF production) is commonly used in the clothing industry as a finishing agent; you're more likely to be at risk of formaldehyde exposure by wearing a cheap Chinese shirt straight out of the packet than you are from working with MDF, IMHO.

HTH Pete

Thanks Pete, good info,

I was aware of the presence of Formaldehyde in other products however it was the act of releasing the stuff in fine dust which has general made me avoid MDF.

 

[custard]

Seconded. MR Medite doesn't cost that much more but it's so much more reliable than some of the B&Q rubbish. The cheapest MDF seems to be dimensionally variable and can contain all sorts of things, including chewed up bits of metal with surprising regularity! Another thing is to get it from a specialised retailer who will have kept it dry and have a handling system that avoids bashing the corners.

 

[nathandavies]

where in south west wales are you shed?

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

MDF is like any possibly hazardous substance in that if you take the proper precautions you're safe. The challenge with mdf is the fine dust particles so you need to wear a good quality mask that filters down to below 5 microns. The classic 3M 7500 does this really well. Also if you can cut it outside on tressles or at least in a well extracted/ventilated space that also helps. I have on occasion bought the cheaper stuff from B&Q at (todays prices) £20/sheet for rough stuff like jigs, templates etc and if you take a cut list with you they have an upright panel saw in my local branch so will do 4 cuts for free and then 50p per cut thereafter. So it is possible to get it cut for you in the right circumstances. Only trouble is they don't sell MR

 

[Grahamshed]

Another vote for MR. The cut edges seem, to me at least, to be less 'fluffy' and the skin is tougher. But both of these could just be my imagination

 

[Stu_2]

Just about to use a sheet if MR for a template. For bench table tops I'm using Norbor pro MDF which is excellent. Machines very well, and isn't at fibrous. I get this from Selco, and have not had a duff sheet. It's about £15 for an 8x4 sheet of 18mm.

They do MR there, but they won't cut it, only the normal stuff.

Arnold Laver are a good supplier, and will cut MR, but at about £3 a cut.

 

[Peter Sefton]

I like to use Medite MR if possible
Peter

 

[blackrodd]

Just about to use a sheet if MR for a template. For bench table tops I'm using Norbor pro MDF which is excellent. Machines very well, and isn't at fibrous. I get this from Selco, and have not had a duff sheet. It's about £15 for an 8x4 sheet of 18mm.

They do MR there, but they won't cut it, only the normal stuff.

Arnold Laver are a good supplier, and will cut MR, but at about £3 a cut.

One of The norboard chipboard factories is only a few miles from here.
I'm not sure if they also make the mdf here locally, but I've been amused because the chipboard is lorried up to some depot, and then sold to our local merchants, and lorried back here again! Regards Rodders

 

[MrYorke]

Have a chat with the guys in P&P Timber in Cardiff Docks, they have it in stock all the time.

MR is best

 

[shed9]

Thank you all, good response and exactly what I was looking for - MR it is.

nathandavies - I'm just outside Carmarthen - Brechfa forest way.

MrYorke - I will give P&P a call tomorrow.

Thanks again all.

 

[mailee]

I wouldn't use anything else now, it is just so much better than the fluffy stuff. :wink:

 

[nathandavies]

I have MR MDF here. If you want I can sell you some cost price. just give me a shout, i'm the other side of Carmarthen.

 

[shed9]

Hi nathandavies, apologies for not responding before now, had to make an emergency visit up North and been away a bit, back now.

May take you up on the offer, are you an MDF dealer???

 

[nathandavies]

I make kitchens but like to help out forum members when I can. like I say I won't be making anything on it.

 

[Tony Spear]

One of The norboard chipboard factories is only a few miles from here.
I'm not sure if they also make the mdf here locally, but I've been amused because the chipboard is lorried up to some depot, and then sold to our local merchants, and lorried back here again! Regards Rodders

You'd be near Filleigh then?

I've got fond memories of some great cricket matches (and even more spectacular drinking) at North Molton! :shock: