Sanding MDF for kitchen cabinet doors

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My refrigerator is 30 years old. It is shorter than all the new ones today.

Because I need to accommodate the new size I must replace all my cabinets on that particular wall. I have found cabinets at a recycle building supply store. I would like to buy the recycle cabinets (none of which the doors match) and make new doors with MDF. They will just be a plain slab with rounded edges.

I will have someone install the cabinets but to keep the cost as low as possible I must make the doors myself. I will have home depot cut the MDF to my specified sizes but I need to round the edges, prime, paint and install the doors myself. Is it possible to use 1/2" MDF or must I use 3/4" MDF?

The thing I'm most worried about is rounding the edges. I'm 62 years old, 100 lbs and not very strong. I am hoping that someone can tell me the easiest way to do this and if it is possible for me to accomplish this.

Also:
Any information on the best primers for the exposed edges and MDF in general would be helpful.

Any advise on the the type of hinges and tricks to install them.

I thank all of you who reply and take the time to help me out.




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Use the thickest MDF you can - it will take the screws for the hinges more readily, and be less likely to warp.
Your rounded edge can be done by simply using an orbital power sander - however, if you were to use a router you can achieve much more interesting edges.
Special MDF primers and paints are available - these tend to soak into a porous MDF material better than usual paints.
The choice of hinge really depends on what you require, and the width of the cupboard door - the firm that machines your doors to size will probably advise you best.
Please - be aware that MDF dust is somewhat less than pleasant, and a good face mask is essential.
Cheers!
John :)
 
I'd go for 18mm MDF, if you only wanted a small round hand sanding would work, for the hinges I would go for something like this
http://www.woodfit.com/product_info...ip/Inserta+Plate+P/Steel+Cam+Adj.+0mm+Scr.Fix
and
http://www.woodfit.com/product_info...cts_id=62&Name=Cliptop+Hinge+120'+Sprung
you would need a
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/11596...r-TCT-35mm;jsessionid=4YBIKJTWTSPJWCSTHZOCFGA
I realise these are all from English companies but I'm sure they have the same products in the USA. You can get a little jig
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Jig-for-Hinge...tchen_KitchenFurniture_EH?hash=item2c4e3a7964
which makes the setting out a doddle.
 
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I just did a quick check and found this
http://www.homedepot.com/Kitchen-Ca...1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&omni=c_Hinges
although I would use what you seem to call euro hinges you might find it easier and cheaper to use the self closing hinges. You need to know whether your doors are overlay ie you don't see any frame, or inset ie the door sits inside the frame.
You would have to ask what load each hinge can take but as a guide an 8'x4'x3/4" sheet of MDF weighs about 40Kg or around 90Lbs
 

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