Best station mold material mdf or plywood

[dadroach]

Hello,

I have just joined the forum and the wonderful world of boat building. I wanted to know your views on which material is better to use for the station molds. I like mdf because it is easier to shape and is less prone to warping than plywood. Particle board is also an option but I don't like the fact that it swells so much when in contact with moisture. Any thoughts on this?

[Grumple]

Hey Dadroach,

I'm new to this as well, so take any input I give you with a grain of salt. Having said that, I've done a lot of reading and question asking up to this point, and I can share what I've found. Here are some relevant older threads that might be helpful:

http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=4298
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=3615
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=2299
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=2295

There is very good information throughout those links, and the forum in general.

I originally decided to use the CanoeCraft suggestion of 1/2" plywood (although I think I got kinda cheap stuff), and before I even started tracing my molds it started to warp. This freaked me out a bit, so I started looking at alternatives.

I'm going to use 1/2" or 5/8" MDF based on my research. I'm going to try the stapleless method, but I've heard some say staples don't take too well to the MDF if you are doing it that way. On the flip side, I've also heard clamps tend to slide around on the MDF so you may want to consider that...I'm not sure how much of a real issue it will be for me so I'm taking a wait and see approach.

Some are using thicker material too (ie 3/4"). This would in theory help reduce warping in plywood.

In general, it seems that all 3 of your options work, and different people will suggest any of the 3 based on personal preferences/experiences.

EDIT: I forgot to mention...I haven't seriously looked at particle board myself, but it's just because I have never really like it. Quite fragile, and I don't want to have to worry about spilling glue, etc on it. Some people have put a coat of varnish, etc on their molds to eliminate the concern.

[dadroach]

Thanks Grumple for the reply. Those links sure have a lot of info in them. I also want to go without staples. Looking at maybe starting the project this winter after the new flooring and house is painted. I have to keep the little lady happy and then I will get to play.

[Grumple]

Haha I'm in a similar boat (pun intended).

I've promised to finish putting in some drainage around our house, stacking firewood, etc, before starting the canoe in earnest.

As it stands I've got the workshop ready to go, my boards are all sitting waiting to be planed/cut into strips. Still figuring out the router setup for bead and cove.

I'd like to cut the strips well before it gets cold, then spend the winter stripping/fairing the hull...we'll see....

[Cruiser]

Two areas get touched on here, material and material thickness.

I made my first molds from MDF, 3/4" ... and that was just way to thick, the second set is from a decent 1/2" ply. The point is that if you use a "decent" ply or MDF, both should work well for you. Just don't go overboard on the thickness, the thinner wood is easier to cut out/shape and it allows the strips to follow the curves easier (thicker ends up with the strip touching just 1 corner or the other of the mold). You will likely find the MDF is the most cost effective.

My advice (also with the grain of salt) is to pick whichever one is convenient for you and you feel comfortable working with.



Brian

[dadroach]

Thanks for the info Cruiser.

I think I will go with 1/2 inch MDF and see how that works out for me.

[Cionew63]

Hey Dadroach,

I'm new to this as well, so take any input I give you with a grain of salt. Having said that, I've done a lot of reading and question asking up to this point, and I can share what I've found. Here are some relevant older threads that might be helpful:

https://sheetmaterialswholesale.co.uk/
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=3615
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=2299
http://www.bearmountainboats.com/phpBB3 ... f=1&t=2295

There is very good information throughout those links, and the forum in general.

I originally decided to use the CanoeCraft suggestion of 1/2" plywood (although I think I got kinda cheap stuff), and before I even started tracing my molds it started to warp. This freaked me out a bit, so I started looking at alternatives.

I'm going to use 1/2" or 5/8" MDF based on my research. I'm going to try the stapleless method, but I've heard some say staples don't take too well to the MDF if you are doing it that way. On the flip side, I've also heard clamps tend to slide around on the MDF so you may want to consider that...I'm not sure how much of a real issue it will be for me so I'm taking a wait and see approach.

Some are using thicker material too (ie 3/4"). This would in theory help reduce warping in plywood.

In general, it seems that all 3 of your options work, and different people will suggest any of the 3 based on personal preferences/experiences.

EDIT: I forgot to mention...I haven't seriously looked at particle board myself, but it's just because I have never really like it. Quite fragile, and I don't want to have to worry about spilling glue, etc on it. Some people have put a coat of varnish, etc on their molds to eliminate the concern.

Thanks! I usually chose plywood, because it's much harder