To laminate or not to laminate?

[just4funsies]

That is the question. I'm about to build an extended table for my BT, which will extend into and become the top for my RA saw as well. Additionally, I'm going to build a router table for the left side of the BT, outboard of the SMT. The router table will have the standard cutout for a Woodpeckers Plunge-lift, and the right end of the table extension will have a cutout for a disposable kerf plate on the RA saw.

I've pretty much decided to go with MDF for the tables, because of its dimensional stability vs. ply. I'll use 1'' if I can get it locally, and 3/4" if not. I'm conflicted about whether to laminate the tables, or leave them as-is. Anybody have any experiences, good or bad, that might help me decide?

[drumpriest]

I built my extension from some ply that was nice and straight, and it's kept nice for me, but you should have good luck with the MDF. Consider laminating 2 1/2" pieces of MDF together, as you can get 1/2" at the BORG if nowhere else. That'll give you your 1".

For my ply I just apply paiste wax when I wax the saw, and it's worked out great for me. Having said that, doing laminate shouldn't be THAT hard, so you might want to consider it for your MDF. I've considered laminating the top of my assembly table, which is 3/4" MDF, which is currently waxed, but I've had to fill some scratches from building projects on the thing.

[LinuxRandal]

I have the Mr. Dewalt book, on RAS's. It has a wonderfull idea in it, that I was considering for and outfeed and assembly table. They use two 3/4" pieces of plywood, with some 1/8" grooves running through them, with steel strips epoxied, in them. The steel helps limit deflection.

[Andrew Benedetto]

You can also get a Kitchen top at Lowes,and seal the bottom,run hardwood around the edge exposed.

[Scottydont]

I would be remise (based on my signature) if I didn't speak up. I make my tables out of 3/4" MDF laminated flooring. It is easy to do, durable as heck, less friction that plain MDF and DEAD flat! You can get laminate remants at flooring stores for cheap. I do the same thing for benchtops and custom fences.