MPT Question

Telescopist

Member
Joined
May 15, 2014
Messages
23
I have a piece of 3/4" MDF that is covered with plastic laminate. It is an orphan counter top that never found its way into a kitchen I renovated. I want to construct a MPT using the concept that Anthony Zeh demostrates using pegboard. Is there a compelling reason not to use the plastic laminate as the top surface for the table? TIA
 
the only issues I would see are that there would be very little friction so it would be harder to clamp stuff down . great for an out feed table thow.
also the extra thickness will stop the clamps working
 
A laminated top will be more durable, stronger, and easier to clean.  I used to have one for a glue-up station.  Most adhesives will not bond to the melamine face and it is fairly chemically inert (most solvents won't harm it if used in moderation). There will be less friction; so some applications may be an issue.  However, I set dogs on adjacent sides and didn't have a problem.  I only gave my laminated top up for lack of space (I still have my 1080 and a 3/4 ton maple workbench I built).  I am actually planning on laying up a panel to replace my old top.  This time, I will just put a few holes I it and lay it atop my 1080.  - so you may consider this an option too.

If you haven't already, I recommend that you balance the back side with the same thickness laminate (not just poly backer).  Otherwise, you will have some warping- whether you notice or not.  It is generally not noticeable in a countertop but it can make a difference in a work top- especially in Pennsyltucky where humidity can swing from 30-90% in a day or two.
 
Yeah, I know. Yellow glue will just pop off plastic laminate. That why I have been puzzled why I haven't seen any MPTs that aren't surfaced with it. Anyway, I going to give it a whirl and see how it plays out. I built a template for my DeWalt plunge router. Found 1/4" pins that fit into the pegboard perfectly. I realize that the 20mm holes need to be spot on.

mo siopa said:
A laminated top will be more durable, stronger, and easier to clean.  I used to have one for a glue-up station.  Most adhesives will not bond to the melamine face and it is fairly chemically inert (most solvents won't harm it if used in moderation). There will be less friction; so some applications may be an issue.  However, I set dogs on adjacent sides and didn't have a problem.  I only gave my laminated top up for lack of space (I still have my 1080 and a 3/4 ton maple workbench I built).  I am actually planning on laying up a panel to replace my old top.  This time, I will just put a few holes I it and lay it atop my 1080.  - so you may consider this an option too.

If you haven't already, I recommend that you balance the back side with the same thickness laminate (not just poly backer).  Otherwise, you will have some warping- whether you notice or not.  It is generally not noticeable in a countertop but it can make a difference in a work top- especially in Pennsyltucky where humidity can swing from 30-90% in a day or two.
 
5'x4' made of 3/4 MDF with melamine surfaces.
Made it as my assembly bench, but quickly turned in to my main work surface. Love it, glue wipe of easy and have no issues with warping so far.

Woodkrafts
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0422.jpg
    IMG_0422.jpg
    2.1 MB · Views: 365
I actually seal my top with Polyurethane. I find scraping glue off is not that difficult and cleans up easy. 
 
Back
Top