Figured MDF

[John Schreiber]

There's really plenty of figure in MDF.

You just need a microscope to see it.

My favorite is spalted MDF.

[Ken Gartin]

There's really plenty of figure in MDF.

You just need a microscope to see it.

Quite beautiful actually.

[John Bush]

I finally have some time now to start turnig my stockpile of spalted MDF figured crotch blanks. I'm thinking of makng a set of matching large popcorn bowls, if I can match the grain.

[Jason Beam]

Just never work Limb MDF. It'll warp and twist and doo all sorts of dances. Come to think of it, maybe it'd be as entertaining as this thread?

Personally, if you can get it, I like to seek out the ultra-rare Rotary-Cut MDF Veneer.

I'd never put a stain on it, that's just blasphemy.

I saw some incredible MDF marquetry the other day- you couldn't even see the seams!

A friend of mine is a neander fellow. He's always bragging about how square he can get his MDF with his Lie Nielsen plane and chuting board.

Could you guys keep an eye out on some bee's wing MDF for me? Money's no object, here. :P

[Rick Hubbard]

You may take this for what its worth but recently I DID buy some 2x4 sheets of 1/2 MDF that had a distinctly "mottled" of "figured" surface. When I picked the stuff off the shelf I paid little attention but was startled when I got it back to the shop and started to cut it up. I coated some pieces of it with clear shellac and, again, was quite surprised by its "figured" look. When I get home this evening, I'll try to take some pictures that will show what I mean.

[Rick Hubbard]

Figured MDF

[Ken Gartin]

Oh yeah! That's birdseye MDF!


(That looks like a chocolate bar that's lost its temper!)

Chocolate lost temper

[James Carmichael]

I that like "figgur" MDF? "Figgur I'll use MDF".

[Per Swenson]

I've been searching for that perfect finish to really "pop the grain".
Anyone ever french polish MDF?

Ken. Thanks for the thread.

Go ahead Laugh all ya want.

Fellas, I can make MDF look like leather.

Scoff all ya want.

Before some one thinks I am joking, try this.

Rub a uneven coat of shellac on a test piece.

Let it dry, rub on another. Mix a little golden brown

trans tint in the third coat. Then do it again with a tiny amount

of mahogany tint in the shellac. Use tight circles

and rub it 'till it starts to grab.

If you do it right, looks like a million bucks.

Per