Drill Press Stand/Cabinet

[dazza]

Went and bought some 30mm mdf, had to buy a complete sheet . And its got a slight bow front to back . Should i have the bow up (U) or down (n). Had enough now.

 

[dazza]

With a bowed sheet (how much btw?)

Just a little compared to the original counter top.

 

[dazza]

Oh, just to clarify...

The orientation of bow would depend on where the main support is - if it's supported around the edges I would put it like an arch so it's high in the middle.

Basically, I'd ensure the unsupported sections are highest.

Still don't know if that makes sense

It does make sense. Should have left it alone. Put the plate back on and its exactly the same as with the other worktop . Absolutely gutted, what a waste of money .

 

[dazza]

The MDF is flat now its been screwed down but there is a 1mm dip in the centre when the steel plate is on top. Could screwing it down sort this?

 

[dazza]

Is that dip measured in the steel plate?

With the plate off the wood it has the dip.

Try some clamps around the edges - that'll show whether edge fixing will help.

Clamping made no difference.

Or, a couple more crossmembers.

The bench is very narrow surely 30mm MDF would support the 3mm plate ok?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I'd just put the plate over the MDF, its weight will flatten it in a short time.

 

[dazza]

I'd just put the plate over the MDF, its weight will flatten it in a short time.

The mdf is flat once screwed down but there is a 1mm bow in the middle when i put the plate on. Maybe it needs crossmembers like pdg suggested?

I have no metal so it will be a pity to spend more money.

 

[dazza]

I have a bit of 25mm box but its only 1.5mm thick. I have enough for two crossmembers, is this worth a shot?

 

[dazza]

Probably.

May as well give a go then.

Probably.

In all honesty MDF isn't a great material when it comes to self supporting, let alone supporting other stuff too.

I've built speaker cabinets from 18mm MDF (with a longest side of about 450mm) that visibly flex when driven hard and needed internal webbing for support.

Had I been taking notice earlier in the thread I would've suggested ply instead, 18mm ply is stiffer than 30mm MDF...

I wanted 30mm ply but it was twice the price

 

[Sarto]

I used one of these in my table.
It seems to cope well with use.

http://www.panalex.it/it/prodotti-panalex/casseforme/pannelli-per-casseforme/kaufmann-k1.html