I can sometimes be too literal. If a product description does or doesn’t mention something, I take that as the gospel truth until I know better.
I’m looking for a natural-sourced material for use as a paint pallet. Buyer wants it to be 1/8", doesn’t like the way a wood grain keeps the paint after first use, and wants the pallets in 3 different sizes. Right now I’m experimenting with a piece of draftboard, but it may require more sealing than is worth it to me.
I looked up masonite and found how it’s produced. Looks like it will not be hazardous under a laser. When I search for masonite in sizes that will fit, I keep being presented with ‘hardboard’ and MDF. Since the product descriptions don’t refer to masonite (which may be a trademarked term, thus conspicuously absent from the text), I’m assuming it’s not what I want.
So, 1) is hardboard/MDF => masonite? and 2) has anyone cut it in their Glowforge? [and what were the results]
Masonite is just hardboard, “strictly” produced by “wet” steaming vs. the dry press method. The “Mason” technique. Same stuff, but as with all things, there might be exceptions.
Home Depot has 1/8" hardboard that works nicely. It does involve cleaning your machine more often, it doesn’t burn too cleanly, but as stated above, cuts like butter and is very inexpensive.
The “Masonite” is also known as tempered hardboard. It comes smooth both sides or with a rough side. Check local lumber yards. They will usually cut a 4x8 sheet to fit your vehicle or a size you can manage.
