Home Racing World

Any of you know where to source MDF in 3/8" thickness. I've tried HD and Lowe's. They carry 1/2 and 3/4, but can't even special order 3/8." A guy at HD was very helpful and made calls to a few HD suppliers but couldn't find any.

Thanks,
Bob G

I got mine at a local "Building Supply" by asking at the counter in the back where all the contractors hang out. They had to order it but seemed happy to do it. Took about a week to arrive. I bought some other lumber at the same time so they delivered to my driveway for free.

PW

Same thing here , my local Home Hardware had to special order it for me .
It costs more and I had to pay some shipping but it was well worth it,.
Knowing the cost of the special order to the store, they shipped to my house for free, and i ordered an extra sheet just incase.
Bob

You might try National Lumber in our area. This link is as close as I could get to MDF on their website, they do list 3/8" though
http://national.myeshowroom.com/brochure/17613
Pete

Thanks for the replies. I'll try National Lumber. There's one near me in Salem.

Will you have enough depth for the slot?

Seems so:

http://oldslotracer.com/Corkscrew1.html

I need an elevation change similar to the above.
(Thanks, Luf)

Not sure what the advantages are in using 3/8 MDF OVER the standard 1/2. It is not a stable it is harder to find more expensive. I normally cut the guide depth at about 3/8.
Mike

Thanks for your input, Mike.

In order to maximize space utilization in my "rec" room, I want to run a layout on two levels. I'd like to incorporate a Laguna Seca style corkscrew at one end of the layout. I'm interested in getting board that will tolerate a fairly abrupt slope at one end of the layout and thought that 3/8" would be better than 1/2".

I have little experience routing MDF. Initially I thought that 1/2" board would be the smallest diameter that I should use, then I saw the article on Luf's site that I linked above.

I'd be interested to see what others have done to create slopes with undercut 1/2" board. It just doesn't seem flexible enough to create a corkscrew style turn/slope, but again, I have little experience with this.

Further thoughts?

Luf?
Steve?
Dickie?

Have you started building your track yet?

Allan

Just mocked up the layout with large sheets of cardboard and priced 1/2" plywood for tables. Obviously looking for info on 3/8" MDF vs 1/2" MDF.

Looking at the pictures in the link, and the associated back cutting to get the required flexibility, it would seem that you would be able to do the exact same thing with 1/2" thick material, without having to special order material?
Just a thought - but either way - looking forward to seeing the pictures of the build!
:banana-dance:

In my experience, if you're building a track with different elevations and other "technical" sections, you're better off to hunt down the 3/8" MDF.
It's easier to work with and to "twist" into place than 1/2".
Yes, cutting the slot at 1/4" leaves only 1/8", but that's all you need. Just be kinda careful while handling it.
As you've already found out, you can't get the 3/8" stuff from Home Depot or Lowe's. You need to go to a place like National Lumber. I got mine from them as there's one in the next town over from me. Had to order it as well.

If the track is going to be fairly flat (like Allan's), than by all means go for the 1/2" MDF that's readily available.

Here's a track made from 3/8" MDF. Note the elevation changes...and the Laguna Sega style drop turn you're looking for :D

Thanks for the reply, Dickie.

I've raced once at Marc's track. It's great....a lot going on there for a driver on a well thought out course.

My planned layout will be a modified "L" shape with a length of 20'. I'll need about a 10" drop at one end of the long straight. The steeper the decline, the less of the long straight used and the more skill demanded of the driver. The upward climb at the other end can be gradual. At least that's the way I see it.

I have a feeling that you might be hearing from me again. :D

Thanks
Bob

(Got 'em at National Lumber)