Replies

1. 
   TomW | Feb 02, 2007 06:26am | #1

   I often use medex as a substrate for my marquetry work because of it's waterproof qualities. It routs and machines very well and paints well too but I think you will be disapointed in it's structural qualities. I suppose it depends on the design of your swing but it's not a lot different than mdf other than the water resistance.   

2. 
   fussy | Feb 02, 2007 09:14am | #2

   Medex, like mdf, is not strong enough for what you want.  It will "let you down".  I'd use white oak.  It weathers as well as mahogany and maybe as well as teak.  The tyloses in the veins prevent water absorption.  My mother-in-law has one hanging on her front porch that is over 100 years old and will still hold me-and I'm a big ol' boy.  Also, it's not very expensive--depending on how they grade, #1 common should do fine.  Finish is up to you, but I'd use the KISS principle; use Thompson's Water Seal every 2 or 3 years.  Fast, cheap, and easy.

   If the world comes to an end, I think I'd rather be in Cincinnati.  It's always 20 years behind the times.   Samuel Clemens

1. 
   miller | Feb 03, 2007 07:28pm | #11

   I was unaware that White Oak had good outdoor characteristics.  Thanks for the info, I will keep this in mind if I do any outdoor projects in the future.  White Oak is a lot cheaper than mahogany and teak.

1. 
   fussy | Feb 04, 2007 07:21am | #12

   Miller,

   Just remember,the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) was built primarily of whitre oak, and over 200 years later she still floats in Bahston Hahbah.  By the way, Steve Wall has cypress @ about $3.50/bd-ft + shipping.  Oak obtained locally is still cheaper.

   Luck to you

   Steve

3. 
   cowtown | Feb 02, 2007 10:49am | #3

   I think if you asked your local lumber yard for the spec sheet on medex, you'd find that it is intended as an interior application, and that any exterior application requires that it be coated on all edges with a two part epoxy. IE, entombed in a coating impermiable to water.

   Ja, I know that the new home mfgrs use this stuff helter skelter for finishing details on new homes, and with suprisingly little consequence, nonetheless, the application notes were quite specific when I read em about five years ago. Things may have changed over time, but this might be a case of RTFM that might be worthwhile in order to protect your investment in labour and materials.

   I guess the best I'd say is "use it at yer own risk", cause from what little I know, the application is at odds with the mfgrs recommendations. Indeed the website I scoped out while answering this stated "interior application".

   I wouldn't build a canoe out of it...

   Eric

1. 
   oldusty | Feb 02, 2007 11:10am | #4

    Hi Eric ,

                For a long time Medex has been mfg by Medco or the Medford corporation down here in So. Oregon . I've never looked at the website .

         I first heard about it when I got into  white water rafting , turns out they make some of the floors and other frame parts in the boats . The old timer said it held up to water . Maybe the product has changed composition ?

                           dusty

4. 
   jackplane | Feb 02, 2007 04:20pm | #5

   I would not use it for a porch swing.

   MDX is the same as MDF except that it is formaldehyde free(for conservation work) and is slightly denser.

   There are much better products to use than this.

   Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   evanover | Feb 02, 2007 05:25pm | #7

   I believe Medite is the "green" product you are refering to which is farmaldihyde free.  MedX is a water resistant exterior product frequently used for outside signage and other non-structural applications.  It machines like butter but is not structurally sound as others have stated.  It is definately not a substarate to use for a swing.

1. 
   jackplane | Feb 02, 2007 05:31pm | #8

   Nope.

   I work with both products everyday.

   Medite, is the product used frequently outside, it is a primed, veneered plywood.

   MDX, is a version of MDF.Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 02, 2007 06:04pm | #9

   I believe that what you are calling Medite is in fact MDO, Medium Density Overlay, a good quality fir plywood with a layer of resin impregnated tan paper on one or both sides.  It is sturdy and weather resistant and takes paint very well, it is commonly used by sign painters.

   John W. 

1. 
   jackplane | Feb 02, 2007 07:50pm | #10

   true, John.

   I had medite as MDO- two different products.Expert since 10 am.

5. 
   Napie | Feb 02, 2007 04:56pm | #6

   I used cypress for the swing I built for my wife, six years latter and it still looks great.