Water resistant MFT top option

[Mark]

I just recently sealed my top with varathane after sanding it flat again from it getting exposed to water. The edges got all swollen from some over spray from a downpour and it screwed it up pretty bad. RO150 with some Granat took care of it in no time and then decided to seal it.

But... is there some reason we can't have a more weatherproof version of the MFT top? I'm sure there are plenty of users that use their stuff outside. Is there and MDF that is more water resistant or waterproof but won't screw up blades and stuff when cut into?

 

[mastercabman]

MDO??

 

[yoda]

Use crezone.

 

[Samo]

Bamboo laminated top  [eek]

 

[Royce]

Try extira.  Had to replace a bar top where MDF was used.

I took a bit of it and set it in a bucket of water...a month later is
was just the same as when it put it in.

http://www.extira.com/

 

[Per Swenson]

How are you all?
I haven't been here in a long. long time.
So long in fact that I fail to recognize most of the contributors.
No matter, it's not your fault. It seems the weight of the rock I was under was greater then my ability to dislodge it.
Lets talk MFT's their tops and your applications.
Specifically where you use it, if it doubles as a dining room table, and protection of MDF in general.
On the subject of where you use it, lets also add how and when you use it. Every day?
If you use it everyday, then you are a Pro, and it is listed as a consumable, budget it in,and order another.
Folks its a work bench top. Let me remind you about mustard and its affinity for ties.
The most cost effective solution for MFT's is to shellac your tops.
Top ,bottom, and sides. one coat, sand it then do it again.
This will allow you 5 minutes in the rain, 10 minutes with Scooters beer can.
Use this sealcotehttp://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=4NY&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&channel=s&biw=1600&bih=705&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&q=sealcoat+zinsser&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=3926444521086660302&sa=X&ei=LlXwTY-JGefg0QHlvoXVBA&ved=0CCwQ8wIwAg

Wanna get anal? Want it to last in the barn covered up until you get around to it? Use slow cure epoxy.
Here is the best for this application,  http://www.masepoxies.com/Mas
I throw my MFT's in the back of a truck, they are just a way for me to make money.
Yea tools need to be respected, but give me a pedestal, well, I see a anvil.
One more thing, Bamboo? I have a Walko with bamboo units, Heh, Heh, nothing lasts forever.
MDF, when properly treated and cared for will out last us all.

Per

 

[Timtool]

the problem would be the holes, any finish that ads a thickness would make it harder to use the special clamps on it.
i cover my worktop mdf with BLO, can be refinished rapidly, doesn't add thickness an it repells water and glue.

 

[Per Swenson]

Trim tool,
BLO  is boiled linseed oil.
Oil never truly dries. Especially in high humidity
This will cause a transfer to unfinished stock.
So when you are wondering why that stain won't take........
Check your surface contact.

Per

 

[PaulMarcel]

The bamboo laminated top sounds great on paper, but the movement will give you a field of ovals in no time.  Also, here in Arizona, my Walko tables delaminated within months and I had given them a good soaking in CPES (but there is always a spot you missed).

I think Per's idea of a shellacing will be the best. Spray from all 4 sides when doing each surface and the holes should be 'good enough'.  If you still go through them quickly, maybe get a sheet of HDF and find a local CNC place; bring em the Festool 20mm hole boring bit and have them turn the sheet into 4 replacement tops.  The pattern couldn't be easier to program: bore a hole 96mm on center as a grid.

 

[Per Swenson]

Nah, don't spray the shellac.
Those blue shop towels in a circular motion, slightly dampened with sealcote and a intimate knowledge of
those holes will do the trick.
The key, is to take you're ro150 and some hand paper for the holes and do it twice.
Moderation is the key to success.

Per

 

[Per Swenson]

Paul,

We went out for lunch, left the Walko on the deck.
Blue skies. Weatherman was out for lunch or on vacation.
Then of course there was Scooter. "Per there is a new a girl tending......"
It rained on that Walko bamboo in torrents for 4 hours.
Scooter and I weren't going back, besides its bamboo and all the expensive tools were out of the weather.
Hot and humid dark New Jersey night.
More akin to Nor'leans
I just ordered new ones.
Water is water folks.
Powerful thing.

Per

 

[PaulMarcel]

Actually, where are you getting replacement table tops for the Walko?  Mostly curious... I'm getting some tops CNCed from a friend and the 'off cuts' are the size of the delamated Walko tables so...

Bamboo laminates aren't compatible with Arizona's dryness.  In fact, most retailers don't even carry Bamboo flooring anymore as it becomes a failed game of bamboo Janga on its first pass through April/May.

Better question: how was the girl?  [cool]

 

[Per Swenson]

Paul,

Two years ago.
See how out of touch I am.
I actually took a job in Tennessee for a spell.

Any of you forum members have a passing acquaintance with Roane County?

Per

 

[Wonderwino]

Per!  Good to see you back!

I finally got an MFT a few months ago and I'll do the shellac trick on it.  I have some amber flakes laying around and I think I have some alcohol somewhere besides the liquor cabinet.  [huh]

 

[PeterK]

Alex - if you use white wine for the shellac flakes, you will preserve the mdf coloring. Obviously you can tint as desired with a different wine selection!!
I remember you have more than a passing knowledge of various wines so some testing might be enjoyable!!

I keep thinking of coating mine and shellac is definitely the way to go as the mdf barely changes dimension with it. I use shellac on mdf speaker cabinets and other than having it raise the "grain" fuzz for the first coat, it works great. Amazing really how durable shellac is against moisture in my experience at least in short term exposure. Never had to deal with a full out rainstorm before.

Pete

 

[scoffelt]

3/4" Baltic Birch Plywood might work, maybe even design it with a replaceable cut out strip if you primarily do cross cuts.  It seems to finish nice.

 

[Wonderwino]

Peter, I have the perfect wine for the task, of course!  It is a Dandellion wine that is absolutely unpalatable, but it should also serve to repell termites and small mammals.  [scared]

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

The best answer in my opinion is the mdo.  Its mdf made for exterior conditions.  You can pick up a 4x8 sheet and make your own top for outside applications and keep the original mdf top for your shop.  You should be able to make two tops out of the 4x8 mdo.