For sacrificial (zero clearance) router table fences, I like the
flatness of MDF. I coat them with 3-5 coats of shellac ( NOT the
dewaxed type), sand them to 1,000 grit, followed by paste wax. They are
VERY slippery after that.

Router table top is Melamine over 1.5" MDF.

Plain old plywood for my sled. Shellacked and waxed.

I like my laminated DP table; I bought that, so not sure if it's
formica--it might be a good quality Melamine.

1/4" hardboard for my bench top--easily and cheaply replaced.



Dave

wrote:
I'm going to be making some things for my shop over the next few
weekends, and wanted advice on using MDF or Birch/Apple Ply. I know
MDF is cheaper, but I can afford the Ply if it makes sense. Also, I
want some nice surfaces for the drill table, and router table. For
that want to know should I use Hardboard or Laminate or Meliene (sp?)
The projects I have lined up a
Planner Stand
Drill Press Table
Crosscut Sled
Miter Saw Stand and Cabinets
Router Table