Pros and cons of certain types of wood?

akootbascomb

Member

• Aug 9, 2014

• #1

I've been working with a combination of pine plywood and poplar at the moment, and I already bought some sheets of MDF my next project, but I'm curious what other people's experiences have been with woodworking and prop making. I keep coming across people using MDF and Pine for weapons and whatnot, so I just kinda went with those. Any notable differences with the stability/longevity, ease of cutting details, splintering, etc that you've found?

 

MignolaFan

Active Member

• Aug 9, 2014

• #2

I'm having good luck with MDF. Easily shapable, cheap in small amounts, and easy to carve things into. The downside is that it's soft. Thin MDF will break and crumble fairly easily, so reinforcement is a must. But dear lord does it sand well.

 

usajdm

Sr Member

• Aug 10, 2014

• #3

I do a lot of woodworking and let me say, MDF is by far my favorite wood to work with, hands down.
Just as long as your not looking for a "wood" finish.
Sands beautifully, takes to a router like a dream.
Pieces can be permanently bonded with wood glue, avoiding screws or nails.
I've used polyester resin to strengthen and coat pieces.
never splinters.
Only con I can think of is weight.
Projects can get heavy, quickly.

 

BRDencklau

Well-Known Member

• Aug 10, 2014

• #4

I agree. They easily pack on the pounds.

 

T

The WoodChuck

Active Member

• Aug 10, 2014

• #5

WoodChuck here. Not a fan of MDF because of the weight.
I use poplar a lot.It is easy to sand, finishes great, and takes wood glue and CA glue well.
I also use a lot of the 1/8 inch thick birch plywood that is sold at craft stores, like Michaels.
It comes in 12 inch by 24 inch sheets for $3.99. NOT to be confused with the model aircraft plywood that costs $16.99 for the same sized sheet.

 

akootbascomb

Member

• Aug 10, 2014

• #6

Yeah I really like poplar and plywood compared to the sheets of MDF I have just based on the weight. Plywood doesn't shatter either I've noticed in terms of being drilled or cut if its on the thinner side.