Replies

1. 
   woodshaver | Jun 12, 2002 04:25am | #1

   HI don, M.D.F. is hard on tool edges, even carbide I ,never tried to turn it, good luck.

2. 
   forestgirl | Jun 12, 2002 05:09am | #2

   From what I understand about MDF, you'll be producing some Olympic-level dust if you do this, just so ya know.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   SgianDubh | Jun 12, 2002 05:40am | #3

   Oddly enough, MDF is one of the few material that when turned on the lathe caused my forearms and most of my upper body to break out in an itchy rash. I wasn't turning columns; I was turning disks of the stuff into a long bevel from the face to the edge for a student. Never turned it since, and I don't really want to. A lot of very fine dust was involved. Not nice. Slainte, RJ. RJFurniture

3. 
   UncleDunc | Jun 12, 2002 06:32am | #4

   Would you be gluing up blanks out 3/4"? For making prototypes, it sounds like utility grade lumber or even plywood might be good enough, cheaper and more pleasant to work with. Have you considered dumpster diving at construction sites?

1. 
   DonStephan | Jun 12, 2002 03:36pm | #5

   Got some elm lumber I could use for ... NO, don't go there. Shouldn't mix metaphors or threads. (And elm is too gorgeous for prototyping.)

   Thanks all for the heads up. I'll use some ash boards that have been drying for decades.

4. 
   jeffn7 | Jun 13, 2002 05:53am | #6

   I believe that MDF has formaldehyde in the bonding agents... would make me wary of creating a lot of dust from it.

1. 
   PaulParadis | Jun 13, 2002 06:34am | #7

   I don't use a lathe but Ido the the stuff (MDF) on a regulat basis.  I beleive it would be to flexible for your purposes.  And yes it creates a LOT of dust, very fine dust.

1. 
   DonStephan | Jun 13, 2002 03:57pm | #8

   Took Uncle Dunc's suggestion and made a blank out of a pair of 2x4 pieces. Seems to work very well. Had forgotten MDF's hunger for sharp tools. Thanks all for your input.

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Jun 15, 2002 08:58am | #9

   Hi Don,

   Came in late on this one - glad  and relieved that you used solid timber.

   MDF is sawdust and bark (which contains grit) bonded with a formaldehyde based glue.  Ignoring MDF's wear on tools, the heat produced when working MDF releases carcinogens (formaldehyde) from the glue when it hits a critical temperature, and the dust is renowned for producing rashes and health (respiratory) problems

   I personally don't work MDF with anything but a table saw with excellent dust/fume collection. Life's too short anyway.

   Here's some internet references to back up what I refer to:

   Manufacturer's MSDS: http://www.plumcreek.com/pub/products/MSDS_MDF.pdf

   Union advice: http://www.gpmu.org.uk/hs/health/msg00009.html

   US 'woodies' website: http://toolmanmike.20m.com/intheshop/wood/osbmdfnparticleboard/particleboard.htm

   UK schools site - good summary of how to avoid exposure http://www.seelb-eurotecnet.demon.co.uk/tech/resourcesafe.html

   Trust that this info will be of help to all - not a well known fact in some areas.

   Cheers,

   Eddie

1. 
   DonStephan | Jun 16, 2002 03:04am | #10

   The 2x4 lumber turned out to be a very poor choice for lathe prototyping. Lots of splintering, and the knots were so much harder than the wood on the other side of the spindle that smooth turning was a challenge. Next time will try poplar - more expensive, but pine just turned out too rough.

2. 
   UncleDunc | Jun 16, 2002 03:26am | #11

   Another possibility would be MDF. ;)