1 1/8" Industrial Particleboard for front baffles. Any Experience?

[dstmbgh]

My local Menards has some 1 1/8" thick particleboard shelving, termed "industrial," that I'm considering using for the front baffles for a two-way with recessed drivers and 5/8" roundovers (fyi, the rest of the 0.5 cu ft enclosure is 3/4" mdf). The surface is very smooth and the material seems much denser with finer "particles" than I usually associate with particleboard. The close-up of this picture is NOT representative of the item in the store: http://www.menards.com/main/building...832-c-9539.htm

It looks like it would produce good clean edges with cutting and routing, as the edge corners of the shelving boards are quite sharp. Its size, as shelving material, makes it very manageable to work with, and the price is right.

Does anyone have experience with this product with which they can either encourage or discourage me to proceed?

Pondering particleboard in Indianapolis,
David

[PMazz]

I wouldn't. Particleboard edges are very weak, compared to MDF. Screw holding capability is higher tho. Typically, the thicker the PB, the less dense it is in the center. I'm guessing the only reason it's being marketed as "industrial" is it's thickness.

[JonMarsh]

I havent seen 1-1/8" PB since the 70's. Pete's concerns are pretty valid, IMO, but without seeing the actual material, it's hard to say... even MDF varies from Mfr to Mfr. Generally, PB is a problem because the center is coarse and kind of crappy, frankly; a lot depends on how much finer ground wood is used and the glue binders. I understand the size convenience, but I wouldn't tackle it without buying one piece first and experimenting with it for the reasons Pete discusses.

If you need something in this thickness range, what I've done in the past is getting pre cut 2'x4' panels of 3/4" and 1/2" MDF, and laminate them together with Titebond. Of course, I'm so used to laminating up wood stuff I forget how much of a PITA that is the first few times, mostly because of the time it consumes. And preferably needed a flat bench like my Rockler or angle irons to maintain alignment.

[dstmbgh]

It's been brought to my attention that both Lowes and Home Depot have 1-1/8" thick stair tread made of mdf that I'll use instead of the "industrial" particleboard mentioned above. Thanks for your input.

David

[JonMarsh]

It's been brought to my attention that both Lowes and Home Depot have 1-1/8" thick stair tread made of mdf that I'll use instead of the "industrial" particleboard mentioned above. Thanks for your input.

David

Cool- best of luck with your project!