Finding 3/8" MDF board

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Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:36 am

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
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby PWflyr » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:15 pm

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.

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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby chappy » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:20 pm

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.
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby KRSPete » Fri Jan 06, 2017 12:43 pm

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
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Fri Jan 06, 2017 1:20 pm

Thanks for the replies. I'll try National Lumber. There's one near me in Salem.
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Racie35 » Sat Jan 07, 2017 7:20 pm

Will you have enough depth for the slot?
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Sat Jan 07, 2017 7:38 pm

Seems so:

http://oldslotracer.com/Corkscrew1.html

I need an elevation change similar to the above.
(Thanks, Luf)
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby mikeinclover » Sat Jan 07, 2017 9:12 pm

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.
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Sun Jan 08, 2017 5:30 am

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?
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Audi1 » Sun Jan 08, 2017 5:40 am

Have you started building your track yet?

Allan
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Sun Jan 08, 2017 6:41 am

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.
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby TuscoTodd » Sun Jan 08, 2017 8:00 am

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!
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby nhdungeonracer » Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:37 am

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
Image
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Re: Finding 3/8" MDF board

Postby Rleog » Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:34 am

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)
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