Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Apr 28, 2005 09:33pm | #1

   It's called mdx, formaldehyde free mdf. It is available in most large markets, mostly used for the museum industry, where off-gassing of formaldehyde can adversely affect art or objects.

    

2. 
   exhibitor | Apr 28, 2005 10:13pm | #2

   Also, medx is not as dusty as mdf when machining.  Quite a bit less dusty in fact.  Machines the same.  Jimmy.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/28/2005 3:14 pm ET by EXHIBITOR

1. 
   migraine | Apr 29, 2005 04:10am | #3

   I have a feeling that the "MEDX" that you are suggesting is different, depending on where you live.  When I lived in SoCal, "Medex", or "Medx" was the short term for exterior MDF.  This product had a slight pink/red coloring to it and was terrible on carbide cutters.  Dulled router bits in a minutes.

   Just my observation.  It may not be the same where you live.

1. 
   jako17 | Apr 29, 2005 06:00am | #4

   Medex is a company that manufactures both exterior,low formaldehyde and no formaldehyde MDF.I saw a exhibit at a wood show in the UK 3years ago.They had a model T van with the body made of MDF and finished in auto paint (I hate to think what it weighed)  they were also touting the exterior grade for deeply carved(by machine) and guilded pub signs.I noticed that in Europe that year MDF was being called the asbestos of the 90's!

1. 
   exhibitor | Apr 29, 2005 06:23am | #5

   Worked with the stuff for years while at the Smithsonian.  Never had trouble with dulling ts blades or carbide router bits.  They have changed the formula over the years.  Stuff used to be bright red through and through.  Now if you look at it, you'll notice two outer veneers (for lack of a better word)  with an mdf looking ineer core.  Cause us hell for a while after the switch in manufacturing process.  The outer layers sometimes were of different thickness causing the sheets to warp. This problem has been fixed.  Also, you can get east coast or west coast medx.  They look a bit different (neither is really red anymore) due to different types of trees used in the manu. process.  Our supplier could get us either one.  East coast seemed to be a better product.  Anyway, it is less dusty and form. free.  We used 5/8ths for most casework.  A bit lighter and easier to handle.  MDF lite by the way is LOADED with formaldihyde (sp)...Jimmy.

1. 
   Lilshaver | Apr 29, 2005 07:59am | #6

   Thanks for all the responses. From the lack of any mentioned alternative, I gather that mdf is everyone's substrate of choice, other than plywood. I'd rather deal with plywood myself, since it's lighter weight, less dusty, and less gluey ( I think). But mdf is very flat and smooth and stays that way if veneered correctly. I think I'm looking for some magic stuff that doesn't exist. I'm going to try some of the medx product though. jeff

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 01, 2005 06:31am | #10

   I have used Medite II (also made by Sierra Pine).Did you guys use any of that stuff? I have not been able to tell the difference by appearance and machinability (when compared to regular MDF). It was more expensive, however, and only available from my wholesaler. Here is the link -- from the site Howie provided:http://www.sierrapine.com/products/mdf/mediteIImedford/default.asp"I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

3. 
   WillGeorge | Apr 29, 2005 09:47pm | #7

   Formaldehyde-free

   I plan to be Cremated!

1. 
   jako17 | Apr 30, 2005 02:15am | #8

   If you build your coffin in regular mdf when you burn you can take a few extra people with you :-)

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 30, 2005 06:06pm | #9

   Here is a site that may have what you are looking for: http://www.sierrapine.com/products/mdf/medex/

   Howie.........