Re MDF

[rob roy]

Please be aware that MDF and Particle board are quite dangerous as the adhesive used to bond them contains FORMALDEHYDE which is very carcinogenic. Strict laws here in the UK on the use of the material. When in the trade we had special equipment for working with it. Please take care my friends.
Rob Roy.

[scrollgirl]

Good warning for those who may be new or not aware, Rob.  MDF also has a very fine dust, making it easier to inhale.  I agree that extra precautions need to be taking when working with it.  Thanks for the reminder.

Sheila

[Keefie]

I totally agree with all thats been said about mdf, when I use it I always wear a full face mask

[cdrover(Clyde)]

Nice to know these things. I had planned to use MDF to make picture puzzles for students in our Pervasive class at school. They will get the puzzles but it will be cut from plywood now. Thanks for the info.

[dgman]

I just don't use it!

[geneVG]

Thanks Rob.  I, like Dan don't use it.

gene

[Russ C]

I have used it for shelving, but would never use it for projects. 

[BilltheDiver]

I use mdf occassionally but mostly for things like patterns for router template work.  It doesn't make attractive projects in my opinion regardless.

[campasano]

Thank you so much for the info, I do not use mdf very often but if I do I have the lumber store cut it for me.

Mike

[rob roy]

Hello my friends. Glad the info was of some help. The formaldehyde is also used for preserving biological specimens in laboratories.
Rob Roy.

[newfie]

thanks for the warning Rob i never used MDF before i won't bother now.

[Gabby]

Formaldehyde is also known as embalming fluid, pumped into a cadaver to preserve it, so it's obviously a poison!
Not something you want in your system.
Gabby

[tux_linux]

You should saw it - not sniff the dust

Naa, good advice That stuff is not so good to be worked with.

Also do I not like the dust it produces - there is to much and it is too fine. No joy to cut that.

I only use it for stabilizing big pieces during shipping. can get some rest pieces at a home store here for free.

[normcat]

I work with MDF quite a lot and agree the dust is a major problem, a dust mask is essential. Regarding formaldehyde the danger is not so cut and dried. All MDF manufactured in Europe has to conform to a certain standard and according to the HSE the formaldehyde given off is insignificant ( this only applies to European manufacturers. Other suppliers may be totally different, check their specs) I only use MR MDF which depending on the manufacturer has no formaldehyde in it. The MR MDF also cuts and finishes much better than the standard stuff. If you take proper precautions about dust it's no worse to work than some timbers such as iroko which can cause irritation.

[dunk]

Interesting tidbit.  I don't know if they still do it or not but in Vietnam and Thailand they used formaldehyde in the beer back in the day (69-71).  Tasted nasty until you had the 3rd one down....LOL