Need help!

[gmed]

I can no longer find the 1 1/8" MDF stair treads that were sold through Lowes and HD. My project is incomplete. where can I find 1 1/8" MDF?

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[Bill Schneider]

Uh oh! I've used lots of that in the past for baffles. I hope it's just a temporary issue.

I'm watching this thread for answers too.

[5th element]

If it's just a case of getting the thickness right for making a second baffle or something, then you could always buy 1" and add in a 1/8th layer per 1" to get the thickness to match up.

[gmed]

If it's just a case of getting the thickness right for making a second baffle or something, then you could always buy 1" and add in a 1/8th layer per 1" to get the thickness to match up.

problem is I used teh same all around.

[gmed]

problem is I used teh same all around.

I could use 3 layers of 3/8" but Im not sure if this will affect it acoustically having 2 layers of glued surface vs one?

[5th element]

It should theoretically be better with three layers rather than two, the extra glue layer, if appropriately applied, will add in a layer of acoustically different material that should help resist issues that only a single, or double sheet, might present with.

[gmed]

But I don't want them to be different. The 3 layers will be better for sure but I've worked very hard on this one already.

[5th element]

By different I mean the difference will be extremely tiny to the point of being imperceptibility small. All I was implying was that it wont be in anyway worse.

[JonMarsh]

I've bought 1-1/8" MDF in the past, but only from specialty lumbar yards- you'll have to look a bit further afield than big box stores. Otherwise, laminating up 3/8" in three layers seems like a good idea, using angle iron clamps like I did for Ardent builds- might even be stronger, depending on the grade of MDF you're got at Lowe's or HD. Best idea is to get true furniture grade MDF- for example, the MDF used in the PE sub woofer knock down cabinet kits is distinctly better quality than what you get at the big box stores.

[Bill Schneider]

I checked my local Lowe's today for MDF stair tread and learned also that it's no longer available here either. I had hoped that it was just a regional stocking decision.

The stair tread size was so convenient for speaker building - especially for baffles. Looks like I'm going to get used to wrestling with very heavy sheet goods now.

[gmed]

I have found a manufacturer in Arkansas. Ive called them to see if they have any suppliers in the West Coast, which they don't, but Ill call them again to see if it can be ordered from another out of state store. Even the lumber yards don't carry 1 1/8. they carry 1.25 and 1.5, which won't do. Im afraid even the 3 x 3/8 will be a different thickness. my 1 1/8 is actually more like 1 3/16. I may be able to find 1 3/16, hope its the same thickness.

[gmed]

Actually, the sticker says its 1 1/8". Upon close inspection, it is actually a 1-3/16" thick. Ive found a local supplier that carries multiple seizes. Im hoping they will be the same thickness.

http://forestplywood.com/product/medium-density-fiberboard-mdf/

[5th element]

Do keep in mind that MDF swells and shrinks depending on the moisture content of the air. It's possible that what was once 1 1/8, has gained 1/16 over time.

[gmed]

That is true