MFT damage from glue / wetness

ergnut

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Dec 28, 2007
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I did a glue up on the MFT, and the glue soaked though the kraft paper I put down over the table. The glue caused the MDF material of the MFT to slightly swell and become rough. It now 'grabs' whatever I slide across it and may keep tools from sitting 100% flat.
I lightly sanded it with 220, but I think I need to seal it before I sand. I was thinking that applying sanding sealer and then re-sanding with 220 might work better.

Has anybody repaired this kind of swelling/roughness in the MFT?

 
I've had several bumps which I have pared off with a chisel from time to time. Didn't do anything about them more than that and the top has been fine.
 
You may consider just flipping it over to the other side and being careful not to get it wet in the future, or seal it.
 
Some have finished the top with an oil, wax,  an oil and wax combination and have reported that glue does not stick
 
ergnut said:
I did a glue up on the MFT, and the glue soaked though the kraft paper I put down over the table. The glue caused the MDF material of the MFT to slightly swell and become rough. It now 'grabs' whatever I slide across it and may keep tools from sitting 100% flat.
I lightly sanded it with 220, but I think I need to seal it before I sand. I was thinking that applying sanding sealer and then re-sanding with 220 might work better.

Has anybody repaired this kind of swelling/roughness in the MFT?
I use wax paper on my mft when gluing. Glue does not stick to it and is fairly cheap.
 
I use furniture wax on mine from time to time.  Glue doesn't stick and things slide nicely.

If you choose to seal it, make sure to seal both sides.  Things tend to warp when you tension one side with a finish and leave the other side to change with the weather.
 
Greg Paolini suggested to a class that I attended that we put a light coat of Danish oil on the MFT tops. I have done this to mine with an oil-dampened rag and have had good results. If there is some glue residue on the top now, the chisel trick is good as well as a light sanding with 320 grip.
 
Sorry didn't see this before I posted mine, I didn't think to just spin it over doh ! thanks

Rich
 
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