I just got done making the mobile saw/router center from the Wood
Magazine Idea shop 5. I had previously made the Drill Press table and
I'm quite happy. They are a lot more sturdy than anything you would
make with MDF alone, and cost a lot less then anything you would make
with Birch Ply.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/sto...xml&catref=wd8

Save the bucks on the Birch Ply for something nice inside your house.

I laminate formica to MDF on all my tops and have been very happy with
the results.