Thread: Quick timber question

MDF easiest to machine, Ply strongest, I'd give chipboard a wide bearth

MDF sould be fine.


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

The question that comes to mind is how suitable is composite material for collet and tool storage?
No point going to all the trouble to make drawers to find that long term storage will result in surface rust on the tools.
I have made collet holders from meranti and pine but have soaked the timber in engine oil for for a few days and found no problem after many years of use.
My vision of what you are going to do might be wrong so ignore this if I am on a tangent.

Hi Dave,

All of my collets are in wooden boxes. But the rust issue isn't a huge problem around here,. I got them from here... http://www.maritool.com/Collets-Coll...113/index.html

I'd think MDF would be ok, provided it was sealed, if you think you are likely to get condensation, maybe some kind of plastic would be better.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=p....0%3B800%3B600

Ray

Originally Posted by dave4

Hello Forum, done enough framing but not so familiar with sheeting. A quick question on making pull out draws on sliders for holder, collet & tool storage. Say 500mm x 300mm single & double layer x 12-20mm thick depending on tool shape carrying 20kg max, with thicknessed timber sides to hold the sliders. I'll cut them out by NC with a 1 or 2 flute aluminium router cutter and spray them a couple of times. I see MDF, particle board, plywood available - any preference for ease of machining, strength & longevity thanks. rgds Dave.

I build everything like this out of A bond ply. All my boat drawers are ply. I don't use MDF for anything except cutting patterns and I don't use chipboard for anything except flooring....

BTW the drawer slides sold by Peregrine Distributors (and others) on eBay are nice solid units. All the big drawers in my boat have them. I'm going to build a stand for my surface grinder as soon as I get a round tuit and I'll use the same sliders there.

PDW

Hi There,

All my drawers are out of MDF. I find MDF only looks good the day it was made and slowly degrades with scratches and general daggy wear and tear, so I always seal them with a clear sealer. I have never had problems with rust.

Simon

I agree with all on some sealer on MDF ... looks better and lasts longer


Dave the turning cowboy

turning wood into art

Originally Posted by dave4

I see MDF, particle board, plywood available - any preference for ease of machining, strength & longevity

Ply would be your best option, I love the stuff. MDF is just glorified cardboard, and particle board is merely a cheap substitute in any situation or application.