MDF Shelves, reinforced with angle iron

**seldon** · 19th September 2007, 09:07 PM

I'm planning on building some shelves out of MDF. The plan is to use masonry bricks for supports (I live in a very industrial looking house) then to have MDF shelves, with 2 bits of angle iron running the length of the shelves. I hope to route out a groove for one edge of the angle iron to slot into underneath, and then have the second edge of the angle screwed into the MDF. I want to finish the MDF in a black paint, using the "paint and rub" technique that a few people here have used.

The end result should be very strong shelves that look just like black, flat bits of wood.

I have a few questions:

Are there any issues with using a router on MDF? I've only ever used a router on pine back when I was in high school in D&T. If I can get one that'll do the job for under $100, I'll buy a router for this.

You're normally supposed to seal MDF furniture, right? How can I seal it if I have a groove routed out of the bottom side? Or do I not need to worry about it?

Where in Melbourne can I get large MDF sheets cut to size accurately?

What about the angle iron? Is there much choice in the way of different metals at the very bottom of the price bracket? Is angle iron literally iron, or is it usually steel? Who in Melbourne can supply cut angle iron at low prices?

Many thanks in advance!

**Glenn_M** · 19th September 2007, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by seldon

Where in Melbourne can I get large MDF sheets cut to size accurately?

I've used Plyco in Fairfield before and was very happy with the service.

Also routed alot of MDF. Tends to burn easily and the dust is nasty but no problem really. If you just want to route a 'groove' in the bottom of the panel, it is quite possible this can be done with a circular saw and guide. (If you have a saw but not a router may be a way through but then again....good excuse for more tools!)

Cheers,
Glenn

**soundman** · 19th September 2007, 10:20 PM

Arrr seldon me lado..... if ye pay a heed to lincon sentry...... the scurvy dogs have a stash of extrusion specificaly designed to make fast shelving.

Aliminium section that you just push 16mm board straight into..... much easier and neater.

arrrrrrrrrr

**seldon** · 19th September 2007, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Glenn_M

I've used Plyco in Fairfield before and was very happy with the service.

Also routed alot of MDF. Tends to burn easily and the dust is nasty but no problem really. If you just want to route a 'groove' in the bottom of the panel, it is quite possible this can be done with a circular saw and guide. (If you have a saw but not a router may be a way through but then again....good excuse for more tools!)

Cheers,
Glenn

I don't have ANY woodworking tools except for a drill!

I'm an engineering student, and most of my tools are designed for electrical work...

So apart from having good ventilation and a dust mask, is there anything else to worry about? What's the go with the burning? Does that mean that you just have to route faster (or do small sections then allow the drill to cool)?

Is there likely to be any problems with burring on the routed edges?

What do plyco supply? MDF or angle iron?

**seldon** · 19th September 2007, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by soundman

Arrr seldon me lado..... if ye pay a heed to lincon sentry...... the scurvy dogs have a stash of extrusion specificaly designed to make fast shelving.

Aliminium section that you just push 16mm board straight into..... much easier and neater.

arrrrrrrrrr

Arrrrrr, what be this aluminium section that ye be speakin of?

(Yeah, you've still got 1 hour left in which to talk like a pirate!)

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