Outfeed table out of MDF or Plywood?

A plus I could see for MDF is it is very slick…easy to slide stuff across as a catch table….a minus is it is VERY heavy…and does not hold screws well…so if you ever plan on adding things to your catch table and using it as a work table also….you would have to back it up. Also once you put a bad scratch in it…it does not have the same “Slick feel” it had before once it is sanded.

Mine is a simple design…just 4×4’s and plywood on casters (See shop pics)....but I have a 1/4” piece of hard board screwed to the top to make it slick as a catch table. The hard board also serves to protect the table as a sacrificial top that is easy to replace when it gets to worn out.

-- Don S.E. OK

I have always used MDF, sprayed with a few coats of Lacquer, then rubbed with furniture polish. You’d be suprised at how well this works, besides saving you a load of cash. The only thing is you need to build a good sturdy frame for it. Have fun with your new toy.

John

-- http://www.webshots.com/user/jahness

I have a folded ping pong table. If I get bored with woodworking I can drop the blade move the fence and play.

I actually think that in this case, MDF might be a better fit – as it’s slicker ( esp. if you finish it with 2-3 coats of poly – it’s super smooth and resistant), and is more uniformed than cabinet grade plywood. MDF is strong enough for that purpose at that size.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Charlie just posted one thats great

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I used mdf for mine, no finish and it works great, very slick and i made mine so I can flip the top when it gets damaged. So far no marks from running the stock over from the saw. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/14992

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.