Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Apr 21, 2006 04:29am | #1

   How much lighter is it than the regular MDF?

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   tangomike | Apr 21, 2006 05:09am | #2

   a lot, you would be surprised.

1. 
   highfigh | Apr 21, 2006 06:00am | #3

   So how can they both be called MDF? regular is 105 lb/sheet for Plumb Creek. The stuff from HD is about the same but it's made from finer dust.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   jeff100 | Apr 21, 2006 09:01am | #4

   I've never heard the term 'light' and MDF used in the same sentence before.  Seems to me if it's 'light' it would not be MDF, but rather a Light Density Fiberboard (LDF) or something like it.  However, you have my interest.  I'll watch the thread.  This is one case wherer I'd be happy to be wrong.

   Jeff

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 21, 2006 04:20pm | #5

   "Light" medium density fiberboard is a misnomer, but it seems to have become the standard description for the product none the less.  It is far lighter in weight than the standard stuff, once you've used it you really start to resent the weight of the standard weight MDF.

   John W.

2. 
   highfigh | Apr 21, 2006 04:51pm | #6

   How much weaker than MDF is it, how well does it hold screws and is a machined edge as clean?
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

3. 
   JohnWW | Apr 21, 2006 06:47pm | #8

   From my experience, the lightweight stuff is nearly identical to the standard weight and works the same as regular MDF.  It is about as strong, the edges don't hold screws well, and the inner part is softer and fuzzes up when routed.

   John W.

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Apr 21, 2006 08:34pm | #9

   Lightweight MDF is about 20% lighter than standard MDF.  It achieves that light weight from using a different wood -- "radiata pine" or something like that.   The 20% lower weight makes a 3/4" sheet substantially easier to horse around, so that's very good.   However, in my local dealers the stuff is more expensive than standard MDF.   The price is often as high as whatever cabinetmaking plywood they have on sale.  The weight of plywood is similar to, or a little lower than, the lightweight MDF.   Given all that, I use the plywood.

2. 
   daviddubya | Apr 21, 2006 04:55pm | #7

   The first place I would call in the Phoenix area for a sheet goods item is American Hardwoods, 1401 E. Hadley, (602) 271-4608.  These folks stock most sheet goods or can get the item ordered.  However, they do not encourage consumer traffic and have a minimum over-the-counter order of about $250, as I recall.  They would probably be a good resource for locating a place to buy any sheet goods product.

   Daviddubya - Cave Creek, AZ

3. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 21, 2006 08:42pm | #10

   Can't help with a source being UK based John, but try looking for LDF, Low Density Fibreboard, or perhaps Fiberboard. Slainte.

   Richard Jones Furniture

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 21, 2006 09:28pm | #11

   The problem wasn't finding it in general, it seems to be well known in the Northeast U.S., the difficult part was finding it somewhere in, or around, Phoenix Arizona.  The guy asking had been searching around and couldn't even find a lumber yard or supplier who had ever heard of it.

   Always enjoy your posts by the way.

   John W.

1. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 21, 2006 10:24pm | #12

   That seems odd, John. I thought HDF, MDF and LDF were all pretty much universal. Maybe there's something odd in the air in AZ?

   "Always enjoy your posts by the way."

   That's kind of you to say so. I think my best ones have absolutely nothing to do with the topic on hand, ha, ha. I enjoy it best when I can manage to divert the subject on to my favourite lady, the late Dolly the sheep, but I don't suppose everyone appreciates my twisted sense of humour. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture

1. 
   John_D | Apr 22, 2006 12:36am | #14

   my favourite lady, the late Dolly the sheep

   That's two, two, two fetishes in one.  Ahh ahh. (done in the voice of The Count from Sesame Street)My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

2. 
   highfigh | Apr 22, 2006 01:12am | #15

   You're Scottish, right? What is it with you guys and sheep? Less backtalk?
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

1. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 22, 2006 06:04am | #16

   That's part of it, highfigh. For me though it's the sad eyes and alluring eyelashes. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture

3. 
   pzgren | Apr 22, 2006 06:28am | #17

   <<I enjoy it best when I can manage to divert the subject on to my favourite lady, the late Dolly the sheep>>Dang...Richard.....Sheep.....Necro...NEVER MIND!!!... You one sick puppy.... LMAOJames

   Edited 4/21/2006 11:31 pm by pzgren

4. 
   migraine | Apr 21, 2006 11:41pm | #13

   The two best ultra light mdf products that I have found are both made from the radiata pine, as previously mentioned.  Both of these are imported for Chile.  One of the names is is Trupan or Truepan.  Your best bet is to contact companies that supply to larger production shops, not your local mom and pop retail hardwood stores.

   I'm in NorCal and I can't even get it here locally.  The two local places won't bring it in because no one else wants to pay the additional price over regular mdf

   As a side note, one of the ways that they help keep the weight down, is that this stuff is 18mm thick, not 19mm(3/4").  Another thing, the radiata pine stuff seams to be a little more stable with moisture/weather changes.  It tends to not warp/bow as bad as regular mdf does.  A major plus.  Another plus is that is doesn't seam to be as much of a dust irritant, at least for me

   Maybe this will help

1. 
   larsonron | Feb 19, 2014 11:18am | #18

   ultalite MDF

   Hello John,

    I work at the Historical Society in Tempe. I use utralite MDF for my exhibits. Spellman's has it and I don't find it more expensive at all. I was just looking for a price and it is $35.00 a sheet. It doesn't hold the srews so well but I back it up for holding hinges. It also is thinner. It was made to be laminated. With veneer on both sides it comes out to 3/4. Ron