Malcolm Wheeler
01-29-2008, 4:40 PM
I have to make a headboard for a bed, which will be painted white, hence there is no reason to go for an expensive wood with a fancy grain pattern. The only load bearing part of this are the legs and the rails.
NOTE of importance - I don't possess a planer - so I have to try and get final size...
To save money, I was thinking of using 3/4 inch baltic ply (two or three layers for the legs, one for the stiles and rails) and then half inch MDF for the panels.
Or should I just use cheap pine? Or MDF for everything (strong enough in three layers for the legs? Too heavy?)
My concerns are that the ply will not take a router roundover bit and at the same time end up with smooth edges, and that MDF will be impossible to keep smooth on the edges with a water based finish...
What say you? What is the cheapest material that will give a smooth finish and last a good couple of years?
NOTE of importance - I don't possess a planer - so I have to try and get final size...
To save money, I was thinking of using 3/4 inch baltic ply (two or three layers for the legs, one for the stiles and rails) and then half inch MDF for the panels.
Or should I just use cheap pine? Or MDF for everything (strong enough in three layers for the legs? Too heavy?)
My concerns are that the ply will not take a router roundover bit and at the same time end up with smooth edges, and that MDF will be impossible to keep smooth on the edges with a water based finish...
What say you? What is the cheapest material that will give a smooth finish and last a good couple of years?