MDF for hammer-forms

[Chazza]

I thought this tip might be worthwhile for anyone making hammer-forms.

Someone on a foundry forum I visit, uses Medium Density Fibre-board (MDF) for pattern making. To eliminate most of the fibre dust and to also make the MDF much stronger, he soaks it in epoxy-resin and describes machining it as similar to turning plastic.

Someone else then added that he uses polyester-resin, which cures quicker and is a little bit cheaper.

I think I will experiment with this one day when I have the need. I wonder if it would stop MDF splitting so easily, when the end grain is nailed or screwed?

Cheers Charlie

[skintkarter]

Agree Chazza. The ones I'm going to give a hard time, I paint with several coats of moisture cure polyurethane (floor sealer), but 2K epoxy is better if you have the material on hand.

[Bill Tromblay]

Hi,

Neat idea, I think I will give it a try on a scrap piece and let you know how it works.

Thanks
B

[Bill Tromblay]

Hi,

I tried this with 5min epoxy. I thinned the epoxy with alcohol, then brushed it on. It did make the MDF harder and last longer, I will try the resin next.

B

[FordCragar]

How is this procedure working out?

[Chazza]

I haven't tried it yet, but like you, I would like to know if others have,

Cheers Charlie

[FordCragar]

The only problem I see is the mess, but if you were to spray it on and the drying time is short, it would make it a great process. Then again it might be worth it.