Nice A8 set of 3

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · October 6th, 2011, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Particle board is pressed sawdust.

MDF is wood fibers, much better.

I know they're not the same, but MDF looks like a finer particle to me....... more akin to what I'd call dust. Particle board has always looked more like granules, to me. I don't really like either one.

GM · October 6th, 2011, 10:34 AM

FWIW, based on my experience at the manufacturing level, Wikipedia does a good job of explaining the differences of the various grades/types: Particle board - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and its references

GM

**Old Guy** · October 6th, 2011, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by Audio_by_Goodwill

I know they're not the same, but MDF looks like a finer particle to me.......

Nope. completely different. It is fine strands. The cut particles ARE smaller though since you are cutting thru a fiber instead of crumbling sawdust.

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.

Bottom line your money use what you want. But for permanent installs, MDF is measurably superior acoustically. That's all I said, that argument is over.

We can quibble preference till the cows come home.

BTW I never understood how they rated a later curfew than the other farm animals.

**bowtie427ss** · October 7th, 2011, 08:05 AM

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.

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.

**Altec Best** · October 7th, 2011, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Old Guy

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

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.

**cradeldorf** · October 8th, 2011, 02:23 AM

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.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · October 8th, 2011, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by cradeldorf

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

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.

**Panomaniac** · October 8th, 2011, 05:23 PM

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.

**Old Guy** · October 8th, 2011, 09:37 PM

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