Has anyone found a source for draftboard? 4x8 sheets?

willcfc · January 13, 2018, 2:27am

Is it just MDF?

jbpa · January 13, 2018, 2:29am

I’m not sure if we’ve ever gotten confirmation, but I believe it’s just MDF with additional processing steps to ensure more consistency. I believe there was also a picture of Draftboard Pro posted at some point that would be larger material. But, I’m not sure anyone will be able to provide full 4x8 sheets at a cost-effective price. The shipping would cost as much as the material for any significant distance.

willcfc · January 13, 2018, 2:33am

Wondering if people had found something locally in full sheets. Obviously not the same thing, but comparable. Wasn’t sure if it was just 1/8" MDF or what it was. One thing for sure is, it’s not “hardboard” from your local big box store.

rusty.tracey · January 13, 2018, 2:35am

After holding and cutting some, I’d have to say it certainly appears to “just” be MDF. However they may have sourced a supplier with a unique binder/glue blend that cuts more readily.

jbpa · January 13, 2018, 2:35am

I believe it’s formaldehyde free MDF. I can’t find a source for full-sheet 1/8" MDF anywhere near me; let alone formaldehyde free.

lairdknox · January 13, 2018, 4:10am

I’ve been using HD MDF but then you have to deal with the formaldehyde.

markevans36301 · January 13, 2018, 4:51am

I’d call the medium high density as it is not hardboard but it is a good bit denser than Lowes MDF.

evansd2 · January 13, 2018, 5:14am

Curious what you want draftboard for when it’s so inexpensive (90 cents per full bed) to get BB in most locations?

I’m really asking, I get my BB so cheap that all my experiments have been using it instead of draftboard. What’s MDF better at than BB?

jbpa · January 13, 2018, 5:36am

It’s more consistent structurally, and in some places easier to find than real BB.

evansd2 · January 13, 2018, 6:59am

Specifically in thickness? How does it compare in terms of strength/rigidity?

mad_macs · January 13, 2018, 3:15pm

(Raises hand) What’s BB?

Oh Baltic Birch. Not enough Coffee yet.

willcfc · January 14, 2018, 12:59am

I use BB primarily for all my experiments as well. MDF takes paint far better(smoother), and is the go to for tabletop gaming parts.

scott.kp · January 14, 2018, 1:24am

If your looking for Baltic try Menards, their wood selection is awesome compared to Home Depot or Lowe’s not to mention cheaper

paulw · January 15, 2018, 1:35am

Another reason for draftboard is 3D engraves. BB is fine for cuts or for making the surface dark, but once you go for depth no so much.