Draftboard Equivalent

Beyond the Manual
1

Since the medium draftboard is currently out of stock and I need alot of it… has anyone had success finding and using comparable material?
I know some people have mentioned this Laserbits material:
https://www.jpplus.com/laserbits-12-x-24-x-1-8-econo-laserable-wood-sheet
But I haven’t seen any reviews and if it actually is similar or the same as draftboard.
Please let me know, because I need a bunch quickly!

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2

I’ve used this with good results. It’s a little cheaper, and he gives you the cutoffs.

I’ve also picked up some Masonite from a local lumber yard. Menards has “Hardboard” which is the same, but it’s a darker color. Home Depot has the same, but it’s not finished on both sides.

Honestly, I like the lighter color.

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3

If you can find a local supplier and can cut it, you can get it for far less.

Rugby architectural building products (google them, they’ve got a lot of locations) carries 1/8” MDF, I think a full 4x8’ sheet is under $10. I cut mine down with a circular saw, essentially getting exactly what that guy on amazon is selling for about a tenth of the cost, plus a little effort to cut.

Some sellers have a panel saw and will cut it down for you on site, that’s the holy grail. There’s usually a fee for cuts, but you should still be able to get a full sheet cut for under $20 total, materials and cut fees.

Search for local lumber yards, it pays off! If you tell us what your nearest city is, we might have some people who know the area.

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4

Thanks everyone. I think my biggest concern is making sure it’s laser safe and doesn’t have formaldehyde. Plus I like the lighter color of the draftboard compared to more yellow MDF.

5

Try this link to Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/676077714/12-x-20-sheets-18-3mm-mdf-perfect-for?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1

6

Looks like that one is sold out.

Huh, looks like my guy is cheaper on Etsy than on Amazon (shipping is a beast though). Sure, I’d have to cut the boards by about 4", but that’s easy with a radial saw.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/504534005/12-x-24-sheets-of-18-3mm-mdf-perfect-for

Thanks!

Edit, he has cut to size ones too.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/608342037/glowforge-12-x-20-sheets-of-18-3mm-mdf

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