Router Table Top Question

[mkel2000]

I'm planning on building a router cabinet similar to the NYW one. I plan on building the top as well instead of buying a pre-made one. I've read others' posts who've built similar router cabinets and I've noticed many tops are built with two pieces of 3/4" MDF while the cabinets are made with plywood. Is there a good reason to use MDF instead of plywood for the top? I'm trying to avoid buying a sheet of MDF if I don't have to.

Mark
Lakeside, CA.

[jwaterdawg]

MDF is normally more stable than plywood, less prone to size and shape changes due to humidity, etc. That being said two pieces of plywood fastened flat and thoroughly sealed all around should also be fine. Just be sure to use something like baltic birch and make sure it's dry before you use it. Please post pictures of your table as you work on it/finish it.

[Black wallnut]

Stable, flat and cheap! Also Strong.

[SARGE..g-47]

The MDF can be purchased at HD in 2' x 4" sheets. You don't have to buy a full 4' x 8'. 3 coats of poly which include the edges and bottom. I sometimes even mica the top and sometimes don't. It comes off the shelf within .004 flat and can be useful in many shop table tops, extentions and jigs.

Regards...

[RodKirby]

Stable, flat and cheap! Also Strong.

Ditto!

Also easy to laminate (3/8" on 5/8" actually 9mm on 16mm, easy to get in Oz) - click on the pic for a closer look...

[mschrank]

I'm trying to avoid buying a sheet of MDF if I don't have to.

I wouldn't worry about this...as pointed out above you can buy pieces smaller than 4 x 8, but I'll also point out that you'll find many uses for any leftover pieces. For example, it can make a great fence for your router table. It's great stuff for making all kinds of jigs, stop blocks etc etc

[JimD]

My router table is also similar to the NYW version. My top is a sink cutout backed by plywood. I got several of these for minimal money at a big box store several years ago. They are high density particle board with laminate already attached. I edged the sheet goods with maple mainly for appearance. If you can find a sink cutout, it will make a good top for minimal cost.

Jim

[Salty]

Something that worked for me was using 3/4" malamine attached to a 1/2" piece of MDF. There are 3 pieces of the malamine to utilize the T track between. It makes for a nice slick surface. It is also available in less than 4'x8' sheets.

[mkel2000]

I want to thank everyone for the input. I followed the majority of the suggestions and bought a sheet of MDF along with the rest of the materials for the cabinet this afternoon.

I'm hoping to get started on it in the next week or two.

Mark