Layout materials

[Anonymous]

When first starting a layout I'm sure most go for the old plywood, and then maybe some don't. I just want to share with all of you looking for materials a little insight. Plywood is great, don't get me wrong, but I strongly recommend MDF. The cost of MDF is about $20 a sheet and comes in 4x8. It cuts the cleanest by far compared to plywood and even cleaner when routed. It is a hardwood material and is very smooth from the mill...and would only need dusted before modeling and before you start to lay track. Some have actually painted roadways (just black paint) on the material and you wouldn't sworn they did more, or layed road fett down. So if you're planning a layout...please consider MDF.

[ARTHILL]

Two problems for me, MDF does not hold screws as well, and when moister is present, has a tendency to swell, and will never return to normal as wood. A water spill can distroy the whole piece. Paint helps, but water based paint in high humidity can be a problem all by itself. It also is very heavy to cart around and dulls a saw blade more than ply.

[nbrodar]

I agree with Art, having used MDF in my woodshop. It's terror on tools, will not hold screws, and creates a fine dust that's almost impossible to get rid of. MDF also has no structural strength, and weighs nearly twice what the same thickness of plywood does.

Allrails...are you sure you are talking about MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is really a denser version of Masonite, and not MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood. MDO is a hardwood plywood with a smooth paper coating the possesses many of the qualities you are attributing to MDF.

Nick

[Anonymous]

MDF....sorry about all the problems you guys have with it.

[nbrodar]

Allrails,

Sorry if I came across anti-MDF.

MDF does have good points, I love it for drawer and door panels. When properly supported it makes great shelves. And you can't beat it for painted moldings. It's just not something I would use for layout construction. For the facias and valances maybe, but not the surface.

Nick

[Anonymous]

i like the mdf i works good and cuts clean.