Making Slatwall

[SwingKing]

I'm considering making a number of slatwall panels for my garage/shop. Unfortunately, I can't find a sample to compare against. Could someone answer a couple questions about this stuff?

1. I'm planning on using 3/4 MDF for the panels. Should the slot be in the center or offset toward the front/back?

2. In general, how strong are these slats? I want to hang my clamps on this wall, but when I tried an experiment with scrap plywood and some 8" pegboard hangers, the (consruction grade) plywood separated with the weight of just a couple besseys. Would MDF do a better job or is this just too much weight? If not MDF, should I be using a different type of panel?

Thanks!

[crokett]

I think, though I am not certain, that the hangers that go in the slatwall you purchase have wide flanges that act as the load bearing points. This takes pressure off the slat itself. If I were making slatwall I would be inclined to offset the slat towards the back. Seems to me it would be stronger.

[Copper]

Here's a link to a manufacturer that makes the stuff. There are a bunch of specs on this page:

http://www.windmillwood.com/panelops.html

Looks like the grooves are on center. I have some in my garage and it holds quite a bit. They say it holds more if you put it over drywall. I put mine over the bare studs with screws on every stud in every other groove in the slatwall. I have a basket holding my scrap wood and it easily weighs 40 lbs.

[mleichtle]

How bout this http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/art...&contentId=585