MDF strenght

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paultnl

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Hi,

I am planing a shoe rack/bench to be made from 25mm MDF. Given that people will sit on it to change shoes, do I need to put a central support on a 70cm span?
 
I would - every time! Ideally make the seat from real tree wood or ply edged with real wood.

Google for 'sagulator' which might confirm my approach.

Bob
 
Snap!! even a nice piece of pine would be better than mdf.........or even look for some Agathis window boards.
 
I put a central verticle, about 100mm wide in mine when i built it, plus a 6mm back. 18mm mdf top, but i also upholstered a bit of plywood. for the seat....Spread the load out a bit as well.
 

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Thanks for the feedback, that looks like a lovely unit Hitch. I am working with off-cuts cutesy of doctor Bob so material choice is limited. Having looked at sagulator ( a great tool) and considered that loading will be brief and mainly by children, I have decided to risk a 70cm span without support beyond a 1/4 inch back and 1/2 inch edging secured by biscuits.

I will post pics soon.
 
paultnl":3bgjxc9u said:
... I have decided to risk a 70cm span without support beyond a 1/4 inch back and 1/2 inch edging secured by biscuits.
I find any edging adds a lot of 'anti-sag' strength to MDF - even if it's just glued on - so given the likely loading I think you'll be fine.
 
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