Building a large cutting table

[MaddyD]

Hi I am preparing to build a 5'5" x 13" cutting table to cut industrial fabrics. In the past I have used MDF for my table top but was wondering first if MDF can be treated to last longer for this kind of purpose or is there a better board for this application?
Any suggestions?
Thanks MaddyD

 

[foxhole]

Just put a cutting mat on top.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

A simpler approach might well be to use melamine-faced chipboard (or melamine as they call it in the USA) with some form of edge protection. That will outlive any MDF surface

 

[pinenot]

6 mm hardboard cover taped over the top of existing one is all you require, renewable for ever and a day...pinenot

 

[foxhole]

6 mm hardboard cover taped over the top of existing one is all you require, renewable for ever and a day...pinenot

If the industrial fabric is being cut on industrial machinery it would destroy hardboard with one use.

 

[pinenot]

As hardboard and MDF are basically the same material, only hardboard is high density and MDF medium density, I fail to see your reasoning ...pinenot

 

[Deleted member 174758]

This being a textiles area I've made-up a few cutting table tops in the distant past for use with both shears and foam rubber cutters (like the Bosch GSG300) and you're right, PineNot, the customer did indeed specify a tempered masonite (a sort of hardboard) top covering. They still got a 12mm hardwood lipping all round to hold the masonite in place - that and double-sided carpet tape

 

[foxhole]

As hardboard and MDF are basically the same material, only hardboard is high density and MDF medium density, I fail to see your reasoning ...pinenot

Neither is suitable that's why I suggested the cutting matt on top as it will outlast any sheet timber alone.
Masonite is much tougher but could blunt cutting edges in use.