Q:

I’m building a series of storage cabinets for my shop. Some (24 in. deep by 30 in. wide by 30 in. tall) will roll on casters and some (10 in. deep by 48 in. wide by 48 in. tall) will be wall-hung. Is low-density MDF strong enough for these applications?

Bud Leste, Tucson, AZ

A:

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a fine choice for constructing woodshop cabinets and shelving. And the lighterweight (lower-density) material now offered will work just fine for tool-storage cabinets on casters. For wall-hung cabinets, a 48-in. span on the shelves is too much for any 3/4-in.-thick MDF (or even plywood for that matter). For a cabinet that wide, I’d add a center divider to stiffen it up.

For a sturdy case, you can add a thick edging to the front of the shelves, or you can install a center divider using a dado, a tongue-and-groove joint (for an example, see Fine Woodworking #170, p. 79), a butt joint, or biscuits.

The Web site www.pbmdf.com/buyerguide/tbshelving1.htm covers the engineering specs on using MDF for shelving applications.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

Buy at Amazon

AnchorSeal Log and Lumber End-Grain Sealer

Good for both sealing the end grain of freshly cut logs and boards, this wax prevents end-grain checking and saves material

Buy at Amazon