New MDF for stands

[kari]

This MFD type stuff might be very suitable for tank stand construction. Its not supposed to contain any of the not so desirable properties of the Regular Joe MDF. That is toxic materials and moisture resistance properties.

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/449Extira-1-med.jpg

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/449Extira-2-med.jpg

[Chin_Lee]

I agree. but the true test is putting water on it and see how long before it expands if any. with a good sealant paint, it probably work quite well for stand or canopy.
Kinda tempted to call that number for a free sample

[Majestic_Aquariums]

There is as well a product called Medex. This stuff is an exterior grade, but is expensive-about $60.00/sheet for 3/4" You still have to seal all cut edges, but I have used this product extensively on exterior work in the past with no problems. Can buy it through Winsor Plywood

To look at it, you could almost swear it is MDF, but it cuts harder, and has a better treated surface, and is formed using more hardened resins. As with MDF though, I use a good dust mask when cutting, as I don't think any of it is good for you to breathe.

[Invigor]

lacquer works well too :)

[Majestic_Aquariums]

Were you able to complete the canopy Invigor? I'm guessing it turned out good for you by the sounds of it! :cool:

[kari]

I agree. but the true test is putting water on it and see how long before it expands if any. with a good sealant paint, it probably work quite well for stand or canopy.
Kinda tempted to call that number for a free sample

Heard some stories of a cut piece sitting in a glass of water for a week with no signs of swelling.

[rusty]

Ive used regular mdf fo the stand on my 90 the trick is to seal the "wood" so that no moisture can get to it. Any where that water might splash or get to it I smeared two thin layers of silicone over the whole surface. I made the tank hood out of it an ddid the same thing on the inside its been running for a year no problems :biggrin:

[snaggle]

the stand for my 75 is made out of plaid old MDF and I have not a and problems. I painted it with bathroom pain I did 3 coats. I am geting my brother to make m a cosom steen and wood snad in sho this year I dont want to have my MDF stand give out on me :eek: . I have not seen any expanding or warping yet on the MDF stand and I had 3 over flows and one room full of water last July :confused: . so I think good paint and MDF will work.


Brad

[Invigor]

Were you able to complete the canopy Invigor? I'm guessing it turned out good for you by the sounds of it! :cool:

you bet! I now understand why they say you should spray lacquer in a WELL VENTILATED AREA WITH PROPER MASK..heh...never in my life have I had a headache that bad...stupid me

I didn't think it would be that bad to brush it on..but holy crap!! ... all in all the canopy turned out quite well..I didn't use any bordering for around the lid or anything, which I wish I had...quite a bit of light comes thru that tiny little crack. but it turned out well...there's like 6 coats on it so it should hold up quite well.

[StirCrazy]

There is as well a product called Medex. This stuff is an exterior grade, but is expensive-about $60.00/sheet for 3/4"

:eek: for that price I will just use Oak or Birch 3/4 plywood, man that expensive for a composite wood. when I do use MDF for stuff it is because 3/4" is only 25.00 for a 10X4 sheet. personally I would never use MDF on anything that will have a chance of comming on contact with water even if I am painting it. just to risky

Steve

[rusty]

All four of my stands are mdf painted and sealed no problems :smile: and yes they have gotten wet many times :smile:

[StirCrazy]

All four of my stands are mdf painted and sealed no problems :smile: and yes they have gotten wet many times :smile:

oh I realize that for the most part it is fine, just my preference.

Steve

[Buccaneer]

My old 330G tank was 1" MDF ... sealed with epoxy ... been running now for over 5 years

[StirCrazy]

My old 330G tank was 1" MDF ... sealed with epoxy ... been running now for over 5 years

I just painted the edges and non laminated sides of my router table for my table saw today with acrylic enamel .. man I can't believe how much MDF sucks up the paint. epoxy is and interesting idea what kinda did you use?

Steve

[rusty]

you use a thinned out mix of carpenters glue to seal it right before you paint it

[Majestic_Aquariums]

Hey Invigor!
Glad to hear the canopy worked good for you (other than the headache :mad: )I told you...
Wouldn't want to do that very often, as there is always slight risk of explosion as well!

Yeah, Stircrazy, $60.00 is lots for paint-grade material for sure. The funny thing is that it isn't the cost of the plywood that kills your budget so much, but the cost of the SOLID!
Where do you find 4X10 sheets? I have used 5X10 before, but they were always special order, and alot more than $25.00
BTW-for any of you wanting to use MDF, do yourself a favor...don't buy the cheapest stuff you can find (a.k.a shop grade) it is less dense, and alot harder to finish! use premium. It is only a couple bucks more-$29.50 W/ tax incl. :cool: