MDF Thickness

[wildfire99]

I was building some templates (more on that later) and did some measuring for router bit depth, and noticed my double-thickness 3/4" MDF template was not 1.5" as I had figured. In fact, it was a good deal thicker (like 1/8"+).

Am I just blind and 3/4" MDF always been thicker than 3/4", or is this a weird batch?

[Dennis H]

Depends on where you buy the MDF. Some of the big box stores sell metric stuff and call it 3/4". It may measure more or less than 3/4" depending on when you buy it and what supplier they used that day.

[maximumshow]

I have gotten into trouble too by assuming that it is exactly 3/4". Some stuff I have used is about 1/16"th less.

[PMazz]

Depends on the moisture content as well. I like to acclimate MDF before fabrication and then again, before final flat sanding of butt joints (so any moisture from glue can dissipate).

You can test the MDF by cutting off 2 narrow strips, maybe an inch wide by a foot long. Bring 1 inside and let acclimate (or bake in oven) and leave the other in the shop. By comparing the 2 samples, you'll be able to guage the moisture content. Depending on the board, and how and where it was stored, you'd be surprised how much it can shrink. Our stuff comes from a warehouse right next to the RR lines. Sometimes it's still off-gassing when we get it.

Pete

[Paul H]

Pete, you don't sleep in much either do you ..


Paul

[Brian Bunge]

Hell, my crazy work schedule this last week has my body all screwed up. I passed out at 10pm last night and was wide awake at 4:30 this morning. I finally gave up and decided to see what was going on around here. Nice to see I'm in good company!

P.S. Pete, did you get my email with my shipping address? Just double-checking!

[PMazz]

P.S. Pete, did you get my email with my shipping address? Just double-checking!

Yea, but I forgot I still had to buff them out. Did that yesterday and got them boxed up to ship next week. There's one glob that got on the back panel near the terminal holes. Hope it's OK.

Pete

[PMazz]

Pete, you don't sleep in much either do you ..


Paul

I wish I could! Seems like the internal clock chimes at 6 AM no matter the day. Today it was 5. Must be a space time continuum thing going on.

Pete

[Brian Bunge]

Pete,

I doubt the glob will be an issue, especially on the back. Once the cabinet is in place no one will ever see it anyway!