MDF or plywood...?

[Wootie]

Looking for some opinions concerning the use of MDF in shop
projects. Got to replace the top on a router table that I
made several months back as it has a slight bow in it due to my
own negligence. I have used MDF on several counter tops in
kitchens and bathrooms without a problem. I've noticed in some
of the mags that MDF appears to be a suitable substitute for
plywood in those cases. This would be indoors and not affected
by the weather.

[woodmannie]

My entire router table is made from MDF. You do need to run supports under the top as it can bow due to the weight of the router. I have supports on both sides of the router plate. It's "flat as a board". They do use MDF on TS wings, and outfeed tables in the new grizz catalog. Sure it is well supported. MDF is heavy, so you get some added weight, good thing.

wm

[TDHofstetter]

I'll firmly advocate the use of MDF for such as router-table tops. Absolutely, no question. There are few materials better suited for things like that short of cast iron.

-- Tim --


Member of the
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International
Volunteer Mentorship and Assistance
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[Postman]

They use MDF for router table tops at the Marc Adams school but they use two thicknesses of 3/4" material. The top is waxed with Johnson's paste wax to make it a little slick.