particle board - 5/8 particle board or???

[raceman408]

hi, just getting started on a msd style bench, i want to use particle board to build it with but the area i live in i can only find 5/8 particle board. will this stand up to 450cfm @ 28", if not could anyone give me some ideas on what to use in place of it. thanks for your help

[Mousehouse1]

I don't know if it will hold up or not. I would try to find something that is at least 3/4" thick.

After taking my bench apart a couple of times I would use something different the particle board.

Also make the back of your bench removable. It will save you a lot of headache in the future. Trust me on that one.

[Unkl Ian]

You can laminate it if you have to.
Plywood would be stronger,for a given thickness.

[larrycavan]

With regard to the back panel of the bench, I would suggest that you frame around the inside with 2x2 pine or something of that nature. Make sure it's flush with the edges. That will give you something solid to screw the back panel too and provides some additional support.

I would also go down at least one side of the divider board on at least one side with 2x2 as well. The felt weather stip material common in most hardware stores makes a good seal. Don't silicone the rear panel.

If you add the Superflow type top section with a steel or aluminum top plate, use the felt material or rubber to seal that as well.

With the top and back removable, it makes everything so much easier to access later for maintenence or changes.


JMO
Larry

[Jesse Lackman]

I'm using 3/4 medium density fiberboard, it's the stuff that feels like it weighs about 100lbs per 4x8 sheet.

Lots heavier than 3/4 plywood.

[larrycavan]

3/4" medium density fiberboard is plenty strong...it's just not well suited to disassembly and reassembly using screws.

[gofaster]

I'm using Baltic Plywood. It is 12 ply with no "voids". Very strong stuff! Only 3 things wrong with it, weighs a ton, only comes in 5' X 5' sheets, and it is expensive.

[Unkl Ian]