I understood what the M means, but it must represent a range because I see listings like shown below. You would think "ultralight MDF" might be an oxymoron, but you can buy it in the US. I need to find a Canadian source, in maybe 2 x 2 ft (60 x 60 cm) because we are all in lockdown here in Ontaro, so all my shopping is online except for groceries and drugs. I can use plywood, but I like my experience with the mdf on my current kit, but the last plywood we used had voids in it and the interior plies were brittle.
Well, that's a whole other thread. A lot of good quality kits are using it and according to the designers it isn't to save money.
Too late. I just finished the hull of an Amati model made from mdf false keel and bulkheads. After initially getting used to how it worked with files, I enjoyed the experience. The very consistent thickness and flat surface lets the manufacturer do excellent precision work with the laser and the fit was perfect. I will definitely be building more ships out of mdf. So the question was really how to get the right material, not whether it was a suitable material, but I sincerely appreciate the feedback. Just want to say where I am coming from.
Thanks Don. I agree. I do have a source of good Baltic birch in 3mm plywood at a company here that does specialty hardwoods and also sheet products. This company has all kinds of common and exotic hardwoods and a lot of musical instrument builders use them. It comes in 5 x 5 foot sheets, which should last for many years. My research so far is that water resistant MDF may contain wax and other waterproof additives so I would expect problems in glue adhering to it. Because it is a bit like a stew, you dont know exactly what is in it, I was trying to see if anyone had a supplier that they had experience with. Formaldehyde free versions are available also. But from a specialty shop with the type of clientele that I am looking at, they will know their product well.@Tangopapa , personally I agree with you working with mdf presents no problems whatsoever and is great to shape and form. For me water is not a problem with mdf as I do not do much modelling in the shower or near the kitchen sink!!
At any rate have you tried using baltic birch plywood? It is readily available online and is of high quality, it is a little pricey.
Actually, one of the positives of MDF is that it doesn't warp AND I can't foresee a reasonable probability that my model will get soaked. I gather from your strong opposition to it that you have never and would never use it. But from anyone who has used it on a scratch build, where did they get it? As to the stability of the material, I am no expert, I go by people like Chris Watton, who has discussed it in detail.
Thank you Eric. Knowing your specific experience helps put your input into context. Nice work on the jewelry box, to say the least, by the way.
I would like to highlight the point that jimmystratos made,
