MDF

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Hi, has anyone used MDF to build a plank on frame boat?

I ask, as it’s easy to work with and fairly cost effective.

The down sides are weight and the fact that its’nt very compatable with water.

Does anyone have any fors or against’s?

Thanks

Mick

 

 

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Is it suitable?

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Mick

Blotting paper would be structurally more acceptable. Just one little unprotected bit and the whole lot swells up ‘orrible when wet.

Avoid, except for boat stands – and varnish them like crazy!

Dave M

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Dave is quite right MDF is totally unsuitable for marine modelling applications. The dust is toxic too.

 

Colin

[michael kemishParticipant @michaelkemish72883]

Thank you Gents.

It was just a thought.

 I Wonder if there is a water- proof version? Besides ply, fibreglass, solid timber etc.

Mick

 

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

MDF, or Medium Density Fibreboard to give it its full name, is just that, so as Dave says, it acts like blotting paper (like compressed sawdust!) – you can’t inherently waterproof something like that..

 

The wood element of plywood isn’t in itself waterproof, it is the glue between the laminations that gives it it’s water resisting properties which is why you still need to seal/paint it as with solid timber. GRP is effectively waterproof for model making purposes but is still susceptible to water damage on full size boats kept permanently afloat – the dreaded osmosis! Epoxy resin is more resistant than polyester though.

 

In fact I have heard it stated that nothing is truly waterproof – there are only degrees of water resistance. Even glass absorbs water over a period.

 

Colin

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

there are reports also that the dust from mdf, might also be carsonogenic…………not the best of stuff to be working with if you don’t like wearing full protective masks.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Mick

 

There is an MDF product that is used in the building game for bathroom floors, it is a green MDF sheet that is as water resistant as most plywoods and as such is suitable for building model boat ribs etc. however it is not as strong as ply and liable to break under tension.

 

Neil is correct that the dust is bad for you so all in all it is best to stick to plywood.

 

Paul

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

good to hear you back on here, paul.

 i have been worried about you matey.

neil.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Neil

 

I’m still alive and kicking……….just about……..don’t ever let anybody put down the NHS as, when the chips are down they do a fantastic job.

 

Paul

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Glad you are posting again Paul, we’ve missed you.

 

Colin

[Geoff CropperParticipant @geoffcropper73342]

I’ve used 4mm MDF sheet for bulkheads and frames given several coats of sanding sealer and glued to an 8mm plywood keel with PVA.       Then double planked with pine strips and coated inside and out with 3 coats of GRP resin.        It’s stiff, waterproof and even drop proof.             Any material will do as long as you make it waterproof,   balsa, paper,cloth etc and by waterproof I mean several coats of GRP resin.         Elco PT boats in ww2 used plywood sheet decks and double diagonal mahogany planks with canvas in between and sealed with GRP resin rollered over the canvas sheets.      Cheers.

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