| Review by Lee A. Jesberger | posted 235 days ago | 1579 views | 1 time favorited | 39 comments | ![]() |
- Material Choices FX_Platform
- Brand: Material Choices | Category: Other

Hello all;
I thought it would be nice to post new products or materials, or little know products and materials, that are a great asset to us woodworkers.
This first product is made by Norboard, out of Canada. Their website is: http://www.norbord.com
Their 800 number is: 1-800-850-8061
Here’s some information on the company and also may help to locate a distributer in your area.
Norbord Inc. is an international producer of wood-based panels with assets of $1.5 billion. We have 15 plant locations in the United States, Europe and Canada. We are one of the world’s largest producers of oriented strand board (OSB).
In addition to OSB, we manufacture particleboard, medium density fibreboard (MDF), hardwood plywood and related value-added products.
Fast Facts
Based in Toronto, Canada
Common shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NBD:TSX)
Number of employees: 2,700
Operations:
- 11 OSB mills
- 2 MDF (medium density fibreboard) plants
- 3 particleboard plants
- 1 specialty plywood mill
- 1 furniture plant
This particular product is a combination of plywood, with an aspen core, (a fast growing harvestable resource). covered on doth side with a layer of 1’8” M.D.F.
One of the main down sides to M.D.F. is the lack of screw holding power.
The second is the extreme weight of M.D.F. I believe a 4’ x 8’ sheet is about 90 pounds.
This product is about 25% lighter than standard M.D.F., which in itself is a good reason to use it.
The second advantage to it is the increased screw holding ability.
It is a very stable product, perfect for applications where inexpensive sheet goods are desirable, but quality is of major importance.
For me, a huge appeal to it it the fact it is extremely smooth. A perfect choice for a project to be veneered.
Although somewhat more expensive than standard M.D.F., the advantages make this a somewhat mute point.
Cost for a 4’ x 8’ sheet is about $ 68.00 compared to about $ 45.00 for standard M.D.F.
In addition to being perfect for veneering, it machines well, and can take a solid finish, such as colored lacquer or paint extremely well.
Certainly a product worth knowing about for your woodworking adventures.
Hope this helps.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
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39 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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9950 posts in 362 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the review. It always nice to find an alternative to mdf. I like it but I don’t really like handling full sized sheets anymore and you are right about its ability to hold screws. This product sounds good.
I will have to be on the look-out for it in this area. Although I don’t have any hope that it will be in my lifetime. In Kentucky new things tend to happen slowly. It looks like the nearest distributor is in Cincinnati area, which is about 90 miles from me.
Thanks for the post.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Karson
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14323 posts in 940 days
posted 235 days ago
Thanks for the review Lee. Where do you get it. In Philadelphia.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Dick, & Barb Cain
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5398 posts in 839 days
posted 235 days ago
Thank you Lee!
The company has a plant about 100 miles from here.
They make OSB there.
Is that wood layers on the inside plies ? I got my answer, when I read it a gain.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
teenagewoodworker
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2143 posts in 308 days
posted 235 days ago
this is a cool product. haven’t looked into where i can get it yet in my area but i don’t think i can afford the extra 20 dollars. maybe when i get older though. thanks for the review.
Bill
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2524 posts in 701 days
posted 235 days ago
Interesting product Lee. I wonder how long before it starts showing up in the off the shelf cabinets people buy from the big box stores?
Dennis will have to make a few cabinets with it and give us a review.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
HI Scott;
I imagine it start to show up i the big box stores eventually. Kentucky has those right? LOL
If they do start to carry it, you can have them cut it into manageable sizes.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Karson;
I get it Fesseden and Hall, which is a wholesale supplier. They have an outlet in Delaware also. If you want to get some, let me know and I’ll call it in on my account.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Bob #2
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2101 posts in 561 days
posted 235 days ago
A 3/4” sheet of OSB did me in in January with torn ligaments in my shouldler and muscle tear on my left lower back.
I would kill lfor more yeildable substrates.
The extra 30 lbs is probably what did me in.
Lee’s loader can save me fatigue and injury at the table saw but, man o man, the jobisite has nothing!
Can’t figure out what happened . I could always move them before for the last 40 years. <vbg>
Lee, I will definitely give these guys a call .
I have about 20 cabinets to build this next few weeks.
Of course he fewer pop ups when joining the particle boards the better i like it.
Thanks for the heads up.
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hello Bob;
That sure sounds painful. Is everything all healed up now?
Maybe the key sentence there is: ”I could always move them before for the last 40 years”.
I wonder what could have changed in FORTY years? As my doctor said to me: “your not getting any younger you know”.
This is an excellent product for a painted or laminated project.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Bill;
I imagine it won’t be too long.
Maybe I should start selling it in pre cut sizes, and shipping it for lumberjocks.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
motthunter
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1234 posts in 339 days
posted 235 days ago
interesting properties. when i see some I will have to try it
-- making sawdust....
Betsy
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1888 posts in 436 days
posted 235 days ago
Lee – what about voids——are there any? I use regular MDF for templates and jigs. Voids would be a problem.
Thanks for the review.
-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Motthunter;
I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Betsy;
I haven’t come across any voids. If I were building jigs, I wouldn’t hesitate in using it. If by chance I found a void,
I would fill it with Bondo.
This would take care of that problem quite quickly.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
bryano
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541 posts in 473 days
posted 235 days ago
Thanks for te post Lee. MDF is awfull heavy, nice to know there is an alternative.
-- bryano
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Bryan;
There’s always ultra lite M.D.F.
I use a lot of that. Has the same basic qualities, but half the weight.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Sawdust2
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869 posts in 628 days
posted 235 days ago
They have an outlet in Dover, DE but niothing near Georgia
Lee
-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.
ND2ELK
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2564 posts in 314 days
posted 235 days ago
Hi Lee
I am not ready to call these guys yet, but was wondering how much you order of this stuff. Do you buy direct or from a supplier? Because I am going to be small shop with limated space, do you have any idea what minimum orders they might accept? I sappose it depends on the supplier I go to. Thanks!
Tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 234 days ago
Hi Lee;
Is there no commercial supplier in Georgia you can buy from?
It’s worth tracking down.
Maybe we should ALL send Home Depot a request that they start carrying it. I imagine if they got over 3000 emails they would respond.
When you consider it we have become a large group and should be able to use that as incentive.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 234 days ago
Tom;
I can buy single sheets of this stuff. To minimum order on it.
You’ll find this to be a great product to have around.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
SPalm
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744 posts in 422 days
posted 234 days ago
Hey Lee, this looks interesting. Does it smell like MDF does?
Steve
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 234 days ago
Hi Steve;
To a small degree yes, as both sides are covered with 1/8” M.D.F.
Not to the extent you’re used to.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Joey
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229 posts in 355 days
posted 233 days ago
If you’re paying $45 a sheet for MDF, you’re getting robbed. The last sheet I bought, 2 months ago was around $18 a sheet for 3/4. I can get red oak for just over $45 a sheet. There is no way i’m paying $60 for something that compares to mdf. I built all of my kitchen cabinet doors from MDF. I’ve never had a problem with screws. As long as you predrill with the correct size bit, there shouldn’t be a problem.
-- Joey, Magee, Ms http://woodnwaresms.com
Sawdust2
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869 posts in 628 days
posted 233 days ago
Joey
Must be your locale. Down here MDF runs $22-23 a 3/4 sheet; 3/4 oak runs upwards of $85, walnut is over $100.
Lee
-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 233 days ago
Hi Joey;
My review wasn’t a knock on M.D.F. It was to introduce everyone to a new product that has advantages over it.
And I can assure you I am aware of how to work with M.D.F. successfully.
Truthfully, I don’t really know what I’m paying for M.D.F.. I don’t pay too much attention to it. I was guessing what the average guy pays at a home center. I buy it at a wholesale supplier in large quantities.
Comparing M.D.F. and FX-P is not really comparing apples with apples.
I use a lot of M.D.F., and I like it. There are times however when this new product offers advantages that M.D.F. doesn’t.
It offers the best of two options, and is worth being aware of.
Thanks;
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Joey
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229 posts in 355 days
posted 232 days ago
no those are home depot prices. Oak has gone up, but the last time I looked it was about $65 a sheet. I use mdf for jigs, and mock ups and some painted cabinets. 1/4 is great for full scale drawings. I just wish I could find 3/8. That makes the perfect size on some of the veneers I do. But i can’t find it so i have to use birch or baltic birch.
I can see the advantages to fx-p. but the cost is the one draw back to me, and availabilty. If it does become more available, then costs may come down some.
-- Joey, Magee, Ms http://woodnwaresms.com
Dick, & Barb Cain
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5398 posts in 839 days
posted 232 days ago
Hi Lee,
I was just reading about Phenolic faced plywood, have you ever used this?
Woodcraft has it.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Thos. Angle
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3443 posts in 502 days
posted 230 days ago
Thanks Lee. Now I know what the alternative to MDF is. I hadn’t seen any of this in use but maybe will soon.
-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon
mrtrim
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1548 posts in 420 days
posted 230 days ago
thanks lee ill have to check this out . btw my mind still handles full sheets with one hand ! lol
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 230 days ago
Hi Dick;
No I haven’t used this yet.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 230 days ago
Hi Thomas;
It’s a nice product, worth tracking down if you can find it.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
2898 posts in 519 days
posted 230 days ago
Hi Verne;
I was carrying 3/4” plywood today up a flight of stairs, an extra long flight.
I was surprised I was out of breath! What I dummy!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
gator9t9
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285 posts in 244 days
posted 226 days ago
Hey this LumberJocks website is taking me away from my shop …..Another great subject …
Thanks Lee for the article and all the rest for your comments on prices..and such…
One thing is for sure ….prices are diff all over the country ….
and another thing ….
please dont anyone get hurt…
I am not the man i once was …but oh never mind …
Mike in Bonney lake
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
gator9t9
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285 posts in 244 days
posted 226 days ago
Hey Lee
That norbord website …doesn’t have a lot of pix of that F-X Platform ??? maybe i am not navigating correctly on their site ….
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 226 days ago
Hi Mike;
The product is listed under the heading Plywood. There are several pages regarding this product, but not much in the way of pictures.
http://www.norbord.com/Hardwood_Splash.htm
Here is a suggested list of uses, taken from their web page:
Norbord Hardwood Plywood is used in fine woodworking applications including:
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
gator9t9
home | projects | blog
285 posts in 244 days
posted 226 days ago
Problem is as i found out today …at a local Lumbermans store …(which has been almost shutdown by Tony Stewarts sponsor) ....I asked about NORBORD products and they had not heard of it …
-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."
jockmike2
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4506 posts in 786 days
posted 221 days ago
Hey Lee, about that thing you said to Karson about putting stuff on your account, can I do that? I need a new Festool whatchamacallit that makes mortises and tenons, I mean would you mind? mike
-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com
Lee A. Jesberger
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2898 posts in 519 days
posted 220 days ago
Hi Mike;
The place I mentioned to Karson doesn’t carry Festool whatchamacallits. (LOL)
It’s my understanding that Festool does not permit retailers to adjust the prices of their tools. It’s the same price everywhere.
If you need sheet goods though; I can help.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
jockmike2
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4506 posts in 786 days
posted 220 days ago
Oh well you can’t blame a guy for trying. LOL. mike
-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com