Using MDF in construction...
 

Hi,
I'm currently doing some modifications to a 2M glider kit, which includes adding an electric motor.
I have noticed that the bulk-heads within the model are made out of Plywood.
I have looked at a few local model suppliers, and cannot seem to buy 3mm Plywood in small sheets...
I do have some MDF (medium density fibreboard) lying around the house, and would like to know any pro's / con's of using MSF in model construction instead of Plywood.
For my construction modifications, I am only planning to use MDF to make a bulk-head to hold the electric motor.

Any comments???

--
VB

RE: Using MDF in construction...
 

this should work fine but you may want to re-inforce it with some light fibreglass to prevent splitting

cheers

dug[&:]

RE: Using MDF in construction...
 

I've only been building for a year or so. But I wouldn't do it. Plywood has long fibers that are layed up 90 degrees to each other to give it strength. MDF is just wood particles pressed together with some kind of binding agent. I'd be afraid the MDF would crumble under any kind of stress. And I know that MDF will turn to oatmeal if it gets wet.

I'd look a little harder at some more hobby shops for the model aircraft plywood. If you're desperate, as a last resort I'd use luan plywood from the local hardware store. They use it as an underlayment for flooring. It's less than 1/4" thick. Not as strong as aircraft plywood, but alot more resilient than MDF.

Hope this helps...

RE: Using MDF in construction...
 

Find some small pieces of thinner plywood and glue them together to make it thicker with carpenters glue. I would not use MDF!

RE: Using MDF in construction...
 

I agree with Bill DCat about using Luan over MDF if you absolutley can not find Lite Ply. The MDF won't take kindly to being cut into a piece small enough for a firewall, and then having holes drilled in it. ;)
Dennis-