MDF for puzzles??

[bubbantenn]

I've been trying to find out if anyone uses MDF for puzzles. Being solid without voids, I thought it would make a good choice but wondered if anyone else uses it.
Thanks for any replies.

Bubba

[sawdustus]

Bubba, the biggest drawback I know of for MDF is that the edges are fragile. Even after easing them they have a tendency to dent and chip. I don't think MDF would stand up to the abuse that puzzles get from kids.

george

[Dee Rogers]

Hi Bubba,
I do beleive Wentworth Puzzles out of England uses it. These puzzles sell for $15.00-$20.00 each. These same puzzles cut in a wooden ply sell in the hundreds when sold at $1.00 per piece. If your having problems finding "no void" we use Boulter Plywood out of Boston. However if your not on the East Coast, you should look for a place that sell marine plywood. If useing the MDF board it cuts easy, but it's just a differant market you will be selling to.

[bubbantenn]

George, that makes perfect sense to me. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that. I was thinking of its integrity while cutting, not after being abused by children. LOL Thanks for heading me off at the pass. I'll start cutting my solid core birch plywood into workable pieces today and post some pictures when I get some puzzles cut.

Bubba

[bubbantenn]

Dee, thanks for the comments. I've decided to go with 1/4 inch solid core baltic birch.

Bubba.

[Carter-Johnson]

Bubba, have you tried 1/4" 5-plt poplar from Wildwood Designs? I cut perhaps 80% of my puzzles from this. It flawless, holds up really well and a blade lasts 120 pieces or more.

Carter

[bubbantenn]

Bubba, have you tried 1/4" 5-plt poplar from Wildwood Designs? I cut perhaps 80% of my puzzles from this. It flawless, holds up really well and a blade lasts 120 pieces or more.

Carter

No Carter, I haven't. Rather than order anything I'm just going to go with my local hardwood supplier. The 5 ply baltic birch they have has as solid a core as I'll find anywhere. I was price shopping more than anything. I don't sell my stuff...I just use it as gifts, so I am always looking for a way to save money.
By the way, I did receive your reply to my PM. Thanks for responding.

Bubba

[JohnB]

G'day Bubba,
I almost exclusivity use MDF. I made my kids puzzle over 25 years ago and they are still in good nick. I have also made a heap of puzzles for Kindy's and primary schools and had no problems.
All of our MDF is Australian made, none of the crap you see in knockdown Chinese/Indonesian furniture.

[Scrolling Days]

Hi, Bubba. For whatever reason, I've never been a great fan of the Baltic Birch. It makes for a nice puzzle, no doubt about that, but I simply don't find it as enjoyable to cut. It also seems to eat through blades fairly fast. I really like using 1/4" oak and cherry ply amongst others.

[bubbantenn]

Thanks for all the great replies. I've read them and considered them all. You all are terrific supporters of your craft.

Thank you!

Bubba

[mels33]

One note about MDF : this material is full of formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health. For kid puzzle is not a good idea to use material with formaldehyde because kid have tha bad habit to put all in their mouth...

I personnaly use 1/4" plywood with SOYA based glue.

[BadBob]

I recently made several puzzles from MDF because I had it on hand. It makes great puzzles. strength is an issue if the parts are small. I don't like plywood even Baltic birch because of its tendency to splinter.

[NC Scroller]

I recently made several puzzles from MDF because I had it on hand. It makes great puzzles. strength is an issue if the parts are small. I don't like plywood even Baltic birch because of its tendency to splinter.

Welcome Bob to the forum. Please go the Welcome Members Forum and introduce your self.

For stand up puzzles I use hardwood like poplar. Pine also works well. For picture puzzles I do use Baltic Birch. These are puzzles cut from a picture such as a calendar, Christmas card or other thicker stock glues to a wood substrate. MDF is very bad stuff due to the chemical make up. I will not use it.