Question of the day...

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,775
edited March 2024 in Clubhouse Archives
Person that can answer it with experience and background of doing it gets a free thank you!

Anyways, the question is...

- Can you PLANE MDF wood? -

I am buying .75" MDF, and it would be, without a doubt incredibly nice if I could plane it down to the different thicknesses I'll need throughout the project... I guess I could purchase another sheet of .5" thick MDF if you cant...
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited April 2005
    You probably can, but I would not. It seems once you get past that smooth outer shell on the MDF it just likes to come apart and break up pretty easily. It is just sawdust after all. Buy the half inch stuff seperate. it would be a lot less work and a lot less dust in your lungs!
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    HMMMMMMMMM, excellent points...

    I hate MDF...with a passion might I add? LOL

    I have alot of projects to build, having .75" and .5" MDF wont be to bad I guess...

    Thanks for your opinion - more opinions are welcome! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited April 2005
    Yeah, the stuff is nasty! make sure you wear a mask, that stuff can mess up your lungs just as bad as smoking!

    MDF is GREAT for cheap projects but the dust is so annoying!
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    Yeah, the shop at school has a nice dust collection system that eliminates the majority of the dust, but I refuse to mess with MDF without a mask...definetely...

    Plywood is alot better, but MDF is denser...

    Particle Board had to be made by satan. Its not dense, its not anything, its light-weight junk...yuck
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited April 2005
    I haven't tried to plane it, but from working with it otherwise, I'd say "No." I think it would break off irregularly, in chunks. Wouldn't take much effort to find out though.

    Nasty stuff. Wear a mask when making MDF dust.

    EDIT: We all agree on that point, I guess!
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited April 2005
    MDF is to wood what hot dogs are to food;)
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by Willow
    MDF is to wood what hot dogs are to food;)

    Delicious? ;)
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,056
    edited April 2005
    :D

    they are both made of the left overs :eek:
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  • maggiefan
    maggiefan Posts: 223
    edited April 2005
    Waste not, want not....:D

    Buy the 1/2' sheet Sid, you know you'll use it for something...:rolleyes:
    Larry
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    MDF is alot like Hotdogs, except we actually know what is in MDF....

    Thanks for all the help folks. I will probally just get a .5" MDF...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    MDF will come flying apart into chunks and fluffy stuff if you run it thru a high-speed planer! This is from personal experience, and not the good kind! There is particle board, which in cabinet grade is pretty good stuff, weighs in at 90 lbs for a 4x8 sheet, and their is OSB (oriented strand board, also called wafer board), like they use for underlayment when building a house. For speaker and cabinet building, particle board good, OSB board bad. The problem with MDF and particle board when it comes to high speed tools such as router bits, saw blades, and planer blades, is the high glue content. It just burns and eats away at your blades. Too slow, and you are burning tooling and the work piece, too fast and the density of the materials heats up the motors on your tools.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    OK, back to this issue, I'm having ZERO luck finding .5" MDF...

    So, lets revise this question...

    What IF...I were to set a bandsaw up at .5" depth, run the board vertically through the band-saw? THe school has a band-saw with like 7-8" of clearance, and that is more than I need for this...

    Will this shake the MDF up so much it would fall apart or would it provide a nice clean cut?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited April 2005
    the rubbing of the saw blade against the MDF fibers in that way would cause a chemical reaction that would quickly engulf the entire universe bringing an end to life as we know it!!!
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    Mr. Airplay355 is pretty close to being right on this! I checked some commercial suppliers and I don't see 1/2" MDF, which when I think about it probably doesn't have enough structural rigidity to make it viable. I would either change your design to use 3/4" MDF, substitute 1/2" particle board, or substitute 1/2" high quality plywood. You can get 1/2" oak veneer plywood with an MDF core, and I believe one of the big box stores would probably have this in stock. A lumber/wood retailer might have 1/2" russian/baltic birch plywood which has a higher number of layers than traditional US made plywood and is really good stuff!

    That re-sawing lumber on the bandsaw is not as neat of a trick as it looks! Tedious and time consuming.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    Well...

    I can't move to 3/4" stock, as I need to keep the enclosure as close to the same as before as possible, and not to mention the same depth as the drivers are spaced apart as far as they are for a reason...

    Particle board isnt really an option, as that is the entire basis of why I am redoing these practically...

    Plywood is SOOO EXPENSIVE...dear god...lol, I cant afford 50 some bucks for something I wont use for more than a 3rd of the project... lol

    So...

    Back to my original question, aside from it being tedious, is it possible?
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited April 2005
    I know I've seen 1/2" MDF at lowes or HD. One of the stores even had smaller 2'x4' sections of 1/2" MDF. Keep looking.

    Like I said before, once you get past that smooth "skin" on the MDF it's pretty worthless it will just fall apart on you.

    what do you need the 1/2" stuff for anyway?
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    Sid - now I am confused. Particle board is a higher strength and better cabinet construction material than MDF. Why would you rebuild a set of cabinets made with particle board in MDF? If you are that bored, build a new set of speakers from scratch! You can try resawing the MDF, but I am guessing the result won't have enough structural integrity to do what you need. You can buy small 2x2 or 2x4 pieces of oak plywood at the big box stores that won't cost you $50.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited April 2005
    an end to life as we know it!!!
    Just don't cross the streams.

    Home Depot stocks 1/2", I know, just bought a sheet a couple of months ago for building all the doors for my screen wall. I must be one of the few who love working with MDF.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • phoneisbusy
    phoneisbusy Posts: 867
    edited April 2005
    Planing mdf is not good for the planer blades.

    You could resaw although that does seem tedious. You wouldn't happen to have access to a big drum/belt sander would you?

    Where have you looked for mdf? It's seems odd that you can't locate any 1/2". Maybe ask for 12 mm mdf? :P ;)

    regards

    Dave
    Time is the best teacher. Unfortunately it kills all its students.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    I would check the big box stores for the 1/2" MDF. Neither of my commercial cabinet materials suppliers is listing it, unless it is in some other category. I do see 1/2" Oak and Cherry plywood with an MDF core.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    I think you have this mixed up...

    Particle board is *ALOT* courser, lighter, and less desner than MDF - it is complete GARBAGE.

    MDF is much denser, and much better for speaker cabinets. Which is why I am changing this out.

    Why do I need 1/2"

    The internal brace is 1/2" in this speaker, and I want to follow suit, I also need it for the baffles, I want to do 1/2" MDF then 1/2" Oak overlay, with an oak frame around the MDF part to make it look like 1" Oak...

    I called Lowes, they do not have 1/2" MDF, nor does HD... Not sure what is going on with that...

    I may have to settle for plywood...

    Also, I don't want to build new speakers, I like my current ones, I like the sound - I just want a different look...and I have ALOT planned for them as far as styling goes..will be sleek
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • TheReaper
    TheReaper Posts: 636
    edited April 2005
    Let your fingers do the walking at www.lowes.com

    1/2X49X97" MDF
    Item # 74794
    $22.12
    Availability
    Lowe's Home Delivery

    3/4X49X97" MDF
    Item # 37461
    $22.75
    Availability
    Lowe's Home Delivery

    If your local store doesn't carry it, you can probably order it online, and have it delivered to your local store for pickup. I did this with some unfinished funiture.
    Win7 Media Center -> Onkyo TXSR702 -> Polk Rti70
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    28027 or 28023

    (3/4 only) :)

    Sucks...SUCKS SUCKS!

    Can you really do that? Hmm...will look into this, thanks!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    Is this any good?

    1/2" 4X8 BLONDEWOOD HARDWOOD PLYWOOD
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • TheReaper
    TheReaper Posts: 636
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3
    28027 or 28023

    (3/4 only) :)

    Sucks...SUCKS SUCKS!

    Can you really do that? Hmm...will look into this, thanks!
    Must be because you live in hicksville North Carolina. The 1/2" MDF shows up for zip=12603
    Win7 Media Center -> Onkyo TXSR702 -> Polk Rti70
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    28027 is one of the major cities actually (concord)...

    What do you think about 1/2" Plywood - that blondewood I posted about above...

    HMM... NY...LOL

    HMM
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • jcaut
    jcaut Posts: 1,849
    edited April 2005
    Strange that you can't find 1/2". Home Depot always has it here. I've got some. How much do you need?

    Particle board would work fine for an internal brace. I prefer MDF for speaker cabinets, too, but for a brace I wouldn't hesitate to use some particle board if that's what I had on hand. The plywood would be fine too.

    Jason
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    Well...

    I have to do the following cuts with 1/2" MDF

    (Variable lengths - varies to the final outcome - but guesstimated at)

    7" Wide, 41.5" Tall (4)
    6.5" Wide, 15.75" Tall (2)
    .5" Wide, 6.5" Tall (4)

    If the plywood wouldnt resonate or anything, I will use that...

    I also have to do a few more cuts, depending on what I end up doing with the overall style
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    Wow, another one of life's mysteries cleared up. I always wondered why my SDA's, Monitor 10's, Monitor 7's and the whole RTi line sounded so bad! They are all made of particle board for the cabinets. I am now enlightened:o

    I really think that MDF has less density than particle board, and that is why it has a higher sound deadening property. Hey, I do admire you for being willing to take on this project and learn!
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,775
    edited April 2005
    All Polk cabinets are 3/4" MDF

    Quoted from Polk -

    All-MDF construction with massive
    asymmetric cabinet bracing ensures
    resonance-free enclosures
    for clean and accurate sound

    I'm here to tell you Particle board is much less dense than MDF, it is a MUCH courser material...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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