What MFT surface would you choose?

[wow]

I am soon to embark on making a custom MFT table. I am going to have the top CNC milled. I have many choices for the top:

3/4 - 1-1/8" hardwood plywood
Apple ply
Plain MDF
Hardwood MDF
Melamine MDF
Formica-style covering to any type of sheet listed above
Possibly others

I plan to use a foamboard when cutting, and not use the top as a sacrificial surface. I *DO* plan to use it for assembly, though.

I kinda like the idea of MDF 'cause it would be easy to clean glue drops, but so would a waxed wood top. I guess I am looking for experience or opinions.  What say you all?

 

[Wooden Skye]

I would stick with 3/4 MDF.  If you go to thick, you may have an issue with clamping and other things like dogs.

 

[Neathawk Designs]

I wonder how PVC would work... It might be easier to clean wood glue off (but then again maybe not).  Its water proof.

 

[mouppe]

I'd go for a top made from any solid wood. It's an easy job to sand or plane it anew whenever you want, and it's comparatively light. I would say plywood is my least favourite option from the ones you listed.

 

[promark747]

I would choose 3/4" plywood with a Formica top (and bottom).

 

[Sean KS]

I second solid wood surface

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Wow,

I would choose High Density Fibre (HDF sometimes called CNC Grade) as it is probably the material used by Festool for the MFT3 and it is far superior to MDF yet is only a fraction more expensive.

I would oil or wax the top and the underneath. I have done mine with Osmo which resists glue and other things that get spilt. As most of my finishing is done with Osmo, and often at the end of the day to avoid new dust being layered on top, I rub out my brushes and rags on my bench top to get rid of the remaining Osmo. This makes the cleaning of the brushes much easier but also adds refreshed protection to the bench top.

Peter

 

[Neathawk Designs]

I like what Peter said

 

[Sparktrician]

I have done mine with Osmo which resists glue and other things that get spilt.

Peter, which variant of Osmo do you use? 

 

[wow]

Called my supplier today. Here;s what I found out:

* I can get a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" Apple Ply for around $130.

• I can get a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" Russian Birch (Baltic Birch) Plywood with 13 layers for around $100.

• I can get a version of HDF (MDF 3/4 49x97 Superior Plus) for just over $40.

HDF is staring to look like a good choice!

 

[Paul G]

If I'm correct in assuming this top will be covered with holes then I'd go HDF

 

[Stone Message]

I have done mine with Osmo which resists glue and other things that get spilt.

Peter, which variant of Osmo do you use? 

Hi Sparktrician,

I use several different types of Osmo - Top Oil, Door Oil and PolyX for indoor work. I use whichever is at hand on the bench top (usually Top Oil but I know that I have used PolyX at least once).

I use UV protection oil outside but do not put that on any of my bench tops.

Peter

 

[amt]

Anyone use the outdoor rated MDF?  One of the brands is Extira: http://www.extira.com/product-lines/extira-product-line/

 

[Sparktrician]

I have done mine with Osmo which resists glue and other things that get spilt.

Peter, which variant of Osmo do you use? 

Hi Sparktrician,

I use several different types of Osmo - Top Oil, Door Oil and PolyX for indoor work. I use whichever is at hand on the bench top (usually Top Oil but I know that I have used PolyX at least once).

I use UV protection oil outside but do not put that on any of my bench tops.

Peter

Thanks, Peter.  Just looked up local availability for Polyx - YOW!!!, that's expensive!!!  [scared]  750ml goes for $39.49 + tax; 2.5l goes for $119.95 + tax. 

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks, Peter.  Just looked up local availability for Polyx - YOW!!!, that's expensive!!!  [scared]  750ml goes for $39.49 + tax; 2.5l goes for $119.95 + tax. 

Hi Willy,

Osmo is a bit like Festool - it is in the top pricing bracket but it is really good. A 2.5L tin lasts a very long time (for me).

Peter

 

[tbellemare]

I am soon to embark on making a custom MFT table. I am going to have the top CNC milled. I have many choices for the top:

3/4 - 1-1/8" hardwood plywood
Apple ply
Plain MDF
Hardwood MDF
Melamine MDF
Formica-style covering to any type of sheet listed above
Possibly others

I plan to use a foamboard when cutting, and not use the top as a sacrificial surface. I *DO* plan to use it for assembly, though.

I kinda like the idea of MDF 'cause it would be easy to clean glue drops, but so would a waxed wood top. I guess I am looking for experience or opinions.  What say you all?

Richlite

Tom

 

[grbmds]

I'd go with Peter's suggestion about HDF (if that is what Festool uses). I wouldn't mess with a good thing. I find it stable and "hard". Any movement in the MFT is not due to the top, but to the legs and stand itself. If you are going to make a table frame, then you can get rid of that instability.

 

[Hud]

I am making a MFT type table and was able to get a top CNC,d for $65 of baltic birch.  I have all of the 8020 for the support structure and will start assembling once I complete an other project

 

[Oldwood]

Anyone use the outdoor rated MDF?  One of the brands is Extira: http://www.extira.com/product-lines/extira-product-line/

I think that is an interesting idea. I have used Exteria for signs and other projects for outdoors. It stands up well to water & weather even without finish but seems to have less structural rigidity than standard MDF. ( it will sag more ) That could be a deal breaker for this product. I have made tops out of MDF & melamine for work surfaces in the shop. The melamine is quite durable & glue does not adhere to it.

Gerry

 

[Billedis]

I made an out feed table for my TS from 3/4" baltic birch that was coated with phenolic both sides.
Very smooth, and nothing sticks to it.  Bill