Replies

1. 
   ring | Feb 04, 2006 02:51pm | #1

   My prime consideration would be that it stay dead flat, and I think you can't do better than MDF for that.  The drawback is the weight - it's considerably more than plywood.  But I'd go with MDF.

   DR

2. 
   hammer1 | Feb 04, 2006 04:31pm | #2

   The traditional substrate under plastic laminate is industrial particle board. Many lumber yards carry it or will order some sheets. Plywood is likely to curl, never tried MDF. I use melamine quite a bit. It's not as heavy duty as Formica but it's cheap and ready to use.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

3. 
   notDusty | Feb 06, 2006 07:30am | #3

   tcbaldmtn ,

                  I second Hammers suggestion of using Melamine . It is low cost and stable and makes a great table top and work surface .

               dusty

1. 
   ring | Feb 06, 2006 08:34am | #4

   Particle board with melamine is OK, but definitely more vulnerable to dents and chips than a formica topped surface. 

   DR

1. 
   notDusty | Feb 06, 2006 10:44am | #5

   Hi ring ,

                Agreed that Melamine is not as resilient as laminate , but for a removable   extension table for the TS it should  work just fine  . Plywood when laminated on one side only can have the tendency to warp , unless it is restrained say in a frame or part of an assembly .

                             dusty

1. 
   ring | Feb 06, 2006 12:43pm | #6

   hey Dusty,

   I started off by suggesting MDF, not ply.  And whatever it is, it should get the underside done with a cheap laminate for equilibrium. 

   I think we've somewhat "overkilled" this topic.  It's just a shop surface, not rocket science.  If it doesn't look good after a year he can throw it out and do another.

   regards,

   DR

4. 
   2x4 | Feb 07, 2006 04:46am | #7

   Use Melamine. I have arborite on mine and the router bit marks really pi$$ me off. I wouldn't feel nearly as bad if it was melamine which it will be next time.

   Brian

5. 
   user-110844 | Feb 16, 2006 11:32pm | #8

   it doesnt matter what you use (mdf, ply or pc) as long as you put good sturdy 2.x4 bracing under the top to avoid sagging; and on a 4x4 top, weight really is not much of a factor, although cutting a 4x8 sheet of mdf without an assistant is a real workout.  good luck - DKA

6. 
   mudman | Feb 17, 2006 07:25am | #9

   I also use melamine for all my shop surfaces. Generally what ever I do to damage the melamine surface would also have damaged formica, such as accidently drilling or cutting through it.

   Mike