Darryl Keil Last Activity 2024-10-10 3:42 PM
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rem81

Posts: 5

Joined: 2016-02-04

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Subject : Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-18 4:02 PM
Post #37526
Heading to the hardware store soon to pick up materials to make a platen. What are thoughts on MDF v Melamine? Melamine seems like it works better for releasing any stuck glues, but MDF is a more widely-used material that won't leave me with material in my shop that is single-purpose.

MDF v Melamine... please cast your vote!



 
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craig tufankjian

Posts: 308

Joined: 2004-02-01
Location: syracuse ny 13208

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-18 4:34 PM
Post #37527 - In reply to #37526
melamine once you make a platen regardless of what you use what else could you use it for anyway. things slide earlier on melamine.


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-18 7:24 PM
Post #37528 - In reply to #37526
Years, years and years ago Darryl posted a question almost no one got right. It seems MDF bleeds off air in a vacuum, so it would take longer to reach a desired level of vacuum, with more on-off cycles.

Whichever you get, I like to ease the edges and corners slightly.


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1453

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-19 2:55 PM
Post #37529 - In reply to #37528
Sorry to correct you here Don but its exactly the opposite. Its MDF or particle board platens that actually "bleed off" air the quickest so there is no to trapped air causing the pump to recycle shortly after turning off. It is plywood platens that trap air making the pump "short cycle" in its attempt to pull out this trapped air. Personally I like melamine coated particle board platens the best.


 
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craig tufankjian

Posts: 308

Joined: 2004-02-01
Location: syracuse ny 13208

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-19 4:57 PM
Post #37530 - In reply to #37529
speaking of platens.... i bought a new refidge and freezer the freezer door had a ding in it so i order a new one. i now have a 1 1/2 thick foam core stainless steel panel 36 x 60. can i use this as either a top platen or bottom platen in the vac press. corners are nicely rounded and its dead flat of course. the handle and name plate have been removed.

http://www.frigidaire.com/Kitchen-Appliances/Freezers/Single-Door-Freezer/FPFU19F8RF/?medium=tsa&gclid=CKit9t_v588CFcFZhgoduDwOtw&gclsrc=aw.ds


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1453

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-20 11:09 AM
Post #37533 - In reply to #37530
Sounds like you'll have the Cadillac of platens! Wont be able to put grooves in it so I suppose a wooden platen would have to go underneath it.


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-19 7:27 PM
Post #37531 - In reply to #37529
Hey, don't I get some credit for paying attention to what you write Darryl? Search of the forum using "contest" didn't work, but "quiz" found a thread started 1-2-2004 titled "Vacuum Veneer Puzzler." Okay, so I forgot the part about the MDF being thoroughly sealed with lacquer, and that the sealing slowed down air migration from the MDF, and the slow air migration caused pump cycling. If you want to ding me for not remembering the minor detail about the lacquer sealing, can I be taken off the "lump of coal for Christmas" list this year? (Haven't had this much fun today.)


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1453

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Platen Construction - MDF v MELAMINE
Posted : 2016-10-20 11:06 AM
Post #37532 - In reply to #37531
Ok, ok....you wont be banned from the forum for your "Faux pas"....at least not this time . You did your homework and corrected your error! Actually I'm impressed that you remembered that post at all. I figured that was the post you were referring to originally. I'll make sure Santa treats you right.
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