Work bench MFT top material?

[3PedalMINI]

I have lined up a CNC shop todo my top cheaper then I can buy a jig/20mm bit for! I’m scheduled for Tuesday but need to drop the material off tomorrow. I was all set to just do 3/4” MDF but I’m having second thoughts. I know Festool is MDF, but I know it’s different then the MDF you buy at the home centers. I was going to go to my supplier and get it, but I’m concerned about the MDF top.

The bench will be a Paulk style top “torsion” so I think the top will be adequately supported to prevent sagging. Would MDO be a better option? Or should I just do a good quality AC plywood. No matter what I’m going todo I’ll finish it with a clear!

Thanks!!

 

[Corwin]

...
The bench will be a Paulk style top “torsion” so I think the top will be adequately supported to prevent sagging. ...

If it is truly 'adequately supported,' then why wouldn't the MDF be fine?

 

[BarneyD]

I built one a couple of years ago out of MDO (just because I had some). It's 30 x 48 and has no noticeable sag yet. Good luck with yours.

 

[3PedalMINI]

Is there any reason not to go with MDO? Will it hold up ok with clamps and accessories?

I’m just concerned that MDF won’t hold up since we can’t get quality MDF here....or am I just overthinking this?

Thanks Guys!

 

[nclemmons]

Lightweight MDF is what I have used.  Available at most quality lumber yards. Big box typically won’t stock it but might be able to special order.

 

[Tymbian]

I thought the mft was HDF..

 

[Roseland]

The standard MFT tops are HDF.

On roadshows I believe Festool used phenolic-faced ply, which would be my first choice.  Alas Festool don’t sell these tops.

MDF and HDF will sag over time, particularly in areas where the humidity changes.  For this reason moisture-resistant boards are better, like Valchromat.

MDF would be my last choice for an MFT.

I hope this helps.

Andrew