Nice A8 set of 3

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I don't understand why AB has the issues he does with dust as I don't, but again having it precut will solve that.

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Some folks have sensitive respiratory systems. Sometimes the MDF, and even plywood bothers me, i'm pretty sure it's the resins and not the wood itself, a big fan and good ventilation makes it pretty much a non issue.

Now certain weeds, and the weed eater or bush hog are another story and can leave me pretty distressed until i get to clear air, not a good feeling at all. So, i can appreciate and understand wanting to just avoid the MDF altogether for those who are really sensitive to it.

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Originally Posted by Old Guy

I don't understand why AB has the issues he does with dust .

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It just seems when i have to make a bunch of cuts with that MDF I tend to choke and gag for whatever reason (Very Fine Particulates) so I don't like using it.It had nothing to do with how it performs I just don't like cutting it.

MDF is widely used in the joinery and furniture industry as well as in building and housing construction. The major constituents of MDF particle boards are pulverized softwood and urea-formaldehyde resin, both of which are recognized as potential health hazards in the working environment. MDF produces very fine dust during processing and the dust particles act as a carrier of absorbed formaldehyde to the lower airways of lungs.

Wood dust and formaldehyde together have been reported to cause respiratory irritation with symptoms of dryness of throat, rhinitis and eye irritation as well as occupational skin disease. Protective measures for wood dust exposure should be followed when MDF is used.

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Originally Posted by cradeldorf

MDF is widely used in the joinery and furniture industry as well as in building and housing construction.

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The only housing use I can think of would be countertops, and furniture is typically particle board, unless some of the "higher end" stuff is veneered MDF, now.

I've mentioned it before here, but I still haven't tried it yet.......... before I used MDF I'd give OSB a whirl. It's supposed to be as strong as plywood. I'd probably try to find a brand that I could find some numbers for. I think GM (Oldguy maybe?) has looked at GP numbers that weren't so hot, but I think things have gotten better since then, or other companies have products with better numbers. I really haven't looked at it too deeply recently enough to recall the details. The 816VI cabinet that I have is made of something resembling OSB...... can't recall the official name the material was marketed under, as told to me by one of the former Altec guys here.

Out in California you can get 1.25" (nominal) OSB because of the earthquake codes. I think it's actually 1.125" Thick and heavy stuff that works well for baffles.
Here on the east coast it's special order.

It may be as simple as different sensitivities to the stuff. Do have a very powerful shop vac hooked up, I get only minimal dust.


There IS a very similar material to MDF but with no formaldehyde.

Arreis Nonformaldehyde MDF from SierraPine | GreenSource Magazine

It also seemed germane to post this link-

MDF Board FAQ - Tutorial

In mine (clone cabs with 416-8C, 800-series HF's with GPA 8-ohm alum dia's) I got a lot better-balanced frequency response with the N1201-8A networks than with the N-800 8-ohm jobs. I think it's a good match for the smaller, bent HF horn. The bass comes off much stronger relative to the 1200hz x-over point than at 800, not to mention whatever other wizardry the n1201 does (aka the Model 19 crossover).
Jon Archibald