Replies

1. 
   twoodward15 | Jan 29, 2003 08:26pm | #1

   (b)lowes and home depot for the mdf

2. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 29, 2003 08:28pm | #2

   How big are the cabinets? What's your time worth? Does it make sense to spend a lot of time researching the best price and then more time driving out of your way to the cheapest source to save $30, or $50, or $100 on the amount of material that goes into two cabinets?

1. 
   BobL | Jan 29, 2003 09:08pm | #3

   HD only has one type mdf and I don't know what Lowes carries yet, but I hold little hope it is much different

   I am trying to find someplace that sells, not researching prices(that would only be a benny) the stuff with some choice.  The closest store on woodfinder was in another state, 33 mi away.  while that may be what a lot of folks may have to do, being within 20 miles of a major city seemed like I should be able to find something closer. 

   I am trying to find a means of locating these suppliers, recommendations would also be a benny but I figured there would be more folks who know how to find someplace then know someplace.

   I know the amount I will buy isn't a large amount so I'm not trying to best price as my goal.  More of a choice of what I will buy.bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 29, 2003 09:42pm | #4

   Sorry. I misunderstood your message. My response was probably even more annoying than it would have been if you _had_ been shopping for price. :)

   I'm in the Denver metro area, so for me, a quick search through the yellow pages for "lumber" and "plywood" gave me lots of sources.

   My impression is that for the most part, MDF is MDF. The only MDF I've ever heard of that was distinctive enough to be a brand name is Medex, and even with it, I can't ever remember what the distinction is. (Just Googled. The distinction is that Medex is formaldehyde free.)

1. 
   BobL | Jan 29, 2003 10:03pm | #5

   From what I have been able to determine is that there are different qualitites of MDF and there is something called ultralight which weighes less.  Also that you can get veneers on mdf not just melimine in different colors.

   the lumber yard i usually go to is more into building supplies then cabinet making supplies, so instead of calling all the yards to see what they carried i was hoping something was a little simpler.bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

1. 
   BG | Jan 29, 2003 10:10pm | #6

   Bobl,

   Where abouts are ye?  Over in Woburn there is a place for ply...the good stuff.  The guys form WW Warehouse (Washington Ave., Woburn) suggested I try there.  If your on the south shore..maybe Tom can help.

2. 
   BobL | Jan 29, 2003 11:29pm | #8

   when I'm willing to pay the tax that's (woburn Woodworker's WW) where I go (otherwise nashua).  I'm about half way betweenbobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

3. 
   JDBoston | Jan 29, 2003 11:35pm | #9

   bought my mdf at waltham plywood.  warning on use in kitchens ... even when painted water can get through (wet glasses, for example, cause the stuff to bubble).  don't use in doors near sink, and glue-paint the edges that go on the floor so they don't pick up water from mops. 

4. 
   BobL | Jan 30, 2003 01:48am | #11

   I'm adding two cabinets (one a "pantry") neither will be near the sink.  I also am planning on using legs.

   bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

   Edited 1/29/2003 5:52:02 PM ET by bobl

5. 
   JDBoston | Jan 30, 2003 02:15am | #12

   i find the stuff good to work with.  for one, it is really 3/4 so you don't have to mess with shimming up/down dados, etc.   and two, it comes square.  no need to worry that the sheet is off in some dimension or another.  good luck.

3. 
   jgaiennie | Jan 29, 2003 10:31pm | #7

   In my area:

   Both Lowes and Home Depot carry MDF and plywood suitable for darn near any painted or stained kitchen cabinet. 

   Also there's a wealth of lumber yards here.  Many cater to house framing, and some cater to cabinet shops and some to both.  If I didn't know now, I'd expect to have to make a few calls to find what I'm looking for.

   It's my opinion that you're making your shopping experience more difficult than it needs to be.  Just go get the wood!

   jdg

1. 
   BobL | Jan 29, 2003 11:35pm | #10

   i guess I'm just reluctant to call a 10 or 20 yards asking what they carry when I don't know exactly what I want (light wgt mdf vs regular or if i want to go plywood).  I was hoping there was something else besides woodfind to find a place and what they carry. bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

4. 
   Turbo | Jan 30, 2003 05:07am | #13

   Hi!  If you have a cabinet shop nearby, or if you can find one on the way home from work, a visit there may give you a good source to review.  You might also ask permission to look through their dumpster at times.  "One man's junk is another man's gold."  Happy Woodworking! 

1. 
   BobL | Jan 30, 2003 05:56pm | #14

   thanks for the info all.

   based on what I learned here found two possible sources so far

   Plywood Supply Inc 740 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451 (781) 899-8289

   ATLANTIC PLYWOOD8 Roessler RoadWoburn, MA 01801tel: (781) 933-1932fax: (781) 937-3165bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

1. 
   JK | Jan 31, 2003 02:32am | #15

   Hi Bob,

   For a start try these:

   Diehls Lumber in Wellesley -781.235.1530

   They stock MDF, lightweight MDF, and a good selection of

   hardwood plywoods. No veneered MDF.

   Boulter Plywood in Somerville-617.666.1340

   All the above and more. Not sure about veneered MDF.

   Robert Burray in Wilmington-800.509.4937

   Best selection and prices and yes, they have veneered MDF.

   N.F.I. in any of the above.

   If you need more info lemme know.

   John Knight

1. 
   BobL | Jan 31, 2003 07:27am | #16

   Hi John,

   How you been?

   Really appreciate the info.

   Starting to get a little into woodworking (although some might think MDF isn't woodworking).

   Building a couple cabinets.  One a lower unit with an eating area the other a full length pantry type. Bought some confirmats and drill bit for assembly.  Also bought some legs instead of a base   Put in some European type hinges on the existing. Too cheap to buy a jig, so made one for the hinge cup holes. On the uppers cut out the doors (were louvered) and had Heritage Glass in Lexington put in black opaque glass. 

    we painted the existing cabinets and now just want add a little more storage.

   Good to hear from you.

   thanks again. bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

1. 
   JK | Jan 31, 2003 08:07pm | #17

   We're good. Thanks for asking.

   Sounds like a fun project.

   Maybe post some pics when you're done?

   A good source of cabinet related hardware is Woodworkers Hardware @ http://www.wwhardware.com.

   OT but thanks for the heads up on Tower Hil.

   We went last summer, it was great.

   John

2. 
   BobL | Feb 19, 2003 05:15pm | #18

   John,

   This is a long term project (takes me a long to time to do things).

   here are some pictures of where it's at now (painted existing cabinets).

   Still have to figure out the transitions between the cab and soffet and the wall for something we like.

   The pulls are temporary until we find something we like.

   bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet

   Edited 2/19/2003 9:17:05 AM ET by bobl

   
3. 
   JK | Feb 20, 2003 12:39am | #19

   Looking Good.

   Know what you mean about long term projects.

   For pulls I highly recommend Raybern (formally Builders Specialty Hardware) in Somerville- 800.422.2473

   Have you started the new cabs yet?

   John

4. 
   BobL | Feb 20, 2003 07:18am | #20

   I have the carcass built for the lower.  Have to build the face frame and doors, put on the legs, paint. Used ultralite MDF.  Planning on using pocket screws to attach and am playing with the settings on the bit. Learned some in using confirmat screws to build the carcass.

   Ordered a jig for the shelf pins and some other bits and pieces from Rocklerpro (they sent me a catalog) that I'm waiting for.  They take a long time.

   Trying to decide what to do for the pantry mechanism.  The one I like is $700.bobl          Volo Non Voleo      Joe's BT Forum cheat sheet