MDF vs. Phenolic vs. Melamine for Router table

[hines]

I was wanting to know what you guys thought about these materials. I am getting ready to build a table saw cabinet based on Sam's Design and I was wanting to use some spare 3/4" black melamine I had for the cabinet top/router table. Any bad points to using melamine? Here is an article I read at Woodpeckers but they don't detail why not to use melamine. Thanks guys for any info.

[Stytooner]

I'll just say that the surface on melamine isn't a wearing surface. More for the sides of a cabinet. It may do okayfor shelving, but it is far too thin to use as a table top surface.

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by Stytooner

I'll just say that the surface on melamine isn't a wearing surface.

I'll second that. I was a bit surprised when I saw the wear on a 4' melamine shelf board used as a bed for my planer. Granted, that's probably a worst-case scenario, given the roller force.

I think if I had been more diligent with the paste wax, it would have faired better, but now I know better than to use the stuff as a working surface.

Regards,
Tom

[autiger1]

I would use laminate...it will wear better.

Tom

[Tom Slick]

melamine won't stant up to any abuse, the laminate is much too thin. formica would be a much better choice. it is used in our shop for work surfaces and withstands years of daily industrial abuse. the other problem is the particle board used for melamine is rather soft and will not be very durable. MDF or finnish/baltic/birch plywood would work well for a flat table top foundation to attach to the formica.

[gmack5]

Regardless of what you decide to use, be sure it's well supported to prevent any possibility of sagging.

Just about ANY material will sag, if not properly supported.

Of the 3 materials you've listed, Phenolic would be the most stable (and the most expensive), with MDF being the best combination of stability and wear resistance, assuming it's laminated with Formica, or a similar product, both Top and Bottom.

[RayintheUK]

quote:Originally posted by gmack5

Regardless of what you decide to use, be sure it's well supported to prevent any possibility of sagging.

Just about ANY material will sag, if not properly supported.

Of the 3 materials you've listed, Phenolic would be the most stable (and the most expensive), with MDF being the best combination of stability and wear resistance, assuming it's laminated with Formica, or a similar product, both Top and Bottom.

Absolutely agree with George here - melamine just won't handle either the wear or the weight. I used 3/4" MDF, covered with Formica. It's turned out to be an excellent choice and is a pleasure to work on.

Further details about my build here if you're interested.

Ray

[hines]

Thanks Lee, Tom x 3, George, and Ray. I never really thought about the melamine being a thick painted surface but I guess it is. I'll probably go with an MDF/laminate combo. Ray, I like the info at your site, it will help me in the planning of my cab. Thanks again.

[Scottydont]

I use 3/4' MDF glued with Pergo like hardwood flooring for the top. It's dead flat and very durable.

[JimD]

I would not argue that melamine particle board is as durable as formica and my router table top is formica but my BT3100 extension table is melamine. So far, a couple years, it is holding up just fine. I would not compare a melamine surface to a painted surface. It is much more durable than that. It is basically a very thin piece of laminate (formica is one brand). It is nice and hard and very slick when waxed but it is thin. My extension top is edged with plywood which probably helps but my experience suggests melamine will work.

While my experience would differ somewhat my recommendation doesn't. If you can afford to, laminate is a better long term bet. One inexpensive way that I used to have a laminate router table top is to find a sink cut-out. They have laminate already glued to high density particle board. This is better particle board than is used in melamine but I still backed mine with 3/4 plywood. It is a very sturdy top. The edges are maple.

Jim

[ironhat]

Hey Ray, any man who owns that many clamps must have security issues. That only means that I'm envious and will be asking my mother to berate me the next time I see her. Then, I too will feel compelled to buy copious quantities of clamps in varying sizes.

All kidding aside, your cabinet was certainly well thought out. I don't know that I have that many thoughts in me!
Later
Chiz

[RayintheUK]

quote:Originally posted by ironhat

Hey Ray, any man who owns that many clamps must have security issues.

No security issues, Ironhat, but a very secure shop! BTW, I still don't have enough clamps!

Ray.