HDF for Templates?

[JackLeg]

Anyone know where you can purchase High Density Fiberboard? :eusa_thin We'd like some for making templates. MDF seems to get "mushy" after some use. :cry:

Or, any suggestions for template materials are welcome. Thanx.

 

[DaveO]

IIRC, HDF is also known as Masonite or hardboard. You should be able to find it in 3/16" thickness at the BORGS (HD is my choice for that type of material). I have not seen it readily available in much greater thickness.
Dave

 

[cpw]

Well,

Georgia-Pacific's website says that they only manufacture up the 1/4" thick, which is what is available at the BORG. Do you need it thicker than that?

 

[JackLeg]

1/4" is just right. Is "Hardboard" or Masonite the same as MDF? Looking for something harder possibly.

 

[cpw]

1/4" is just right. Is "Hardboard" or Masonite the same as MDF? Looking for something harder possibly.

Hardboard, [STRIKE]MDF[/STRIKE] HDF, and Masonite are basically the same thing. Masonite is a brand name like 'Kleenex'. If you want something 'harder' (more durable?) maybe you should think about aluminum? It's a little slower going and a lot harder on tools, but it can be cut on a tablesaw with special blades, cut on the bandsaw, and even routed with caution.

 

[McRabbet]

Be sure you buy "Tempered" Masonite -- there is a non-tempered version that is quite soft -- the Tempered variety has a darker brown color and may have a machine textured back where it was placed in the final press.

 

[JackLeg]

Thanks, Rob. What bit maker do you consider best for template cutting? I've got a 2" Frued that has seemed to dull quickly. Maybe I need to go carbide?

 

[McRabbet]

Reggie,

You definitely need carbide router bits for any routing. By "Template cutting" I assume you mean "Pattern Routing", where you stick your template onto your rough sawn stock with double stick tape (or Hot Melt Glue) and then cut the final piece with a Pattern Routing Bit, such as these (scroll down for several styles). I buy MLCS bits for most work, but if you have a large quantity of work to do with one particular bit, then move up in quality to CMT or Whiteside bits.

 

[nelsone]

The tempered hardboard works great for patterns. I have a set I made for the adirondack chairs I make and several other templates. 1/4" works great.

 

[DavidF]

I have used Hardboard for templates and I found that it works if the pieces to be routed are fairly light weight, but if the piece is bigger and heavier meaning that you may exert more pressure on it with the bearing, then it does dent and potentially ruin the job. Think 40" x 14" x 1.5 Padauk! DAMHIKT:BangHead: I use 0.5" MDF or clear lexan/acrylic sheet.

 

[JackLeg]

I have used Hardboard for templates and I found that it works if the pieces to be routed are fairly light weight, but if the piece is bigger and heavier meaning that you may exert more pressure on it with the bearing, then it does dent and potentially ruin the job. Think 40" x 14" x 1.5 Padauk! DAMHIKT:BangHead: I use 0.5" MDF or clear lexan/acrylic sheet.

:eusa_thin Hadn't thought about the lexan/acrylic thing. Good templates are worth the investment. THANX!

 

[tmerrill]

I've used 1/4 or 3/8 baltic birch before. Easy to prepare and seems to hold up well with use. A couple of coats of poly would even make them more durable.

Tim

 

[LeftyTom]

On the Winston-Salem CL, under "Free" there are a bunch of MDF scraps, most 2'x2'. Not mine, nor anyone I know.

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/zip/493212984.html

Move to "Hot Deals" if needed.