Where to buy MDF board?


Thinking about building a rack (as I have not been able to find any in the $500 range) and don't know where you can buy MDF board. Any suggestions would be appreciated as well as suggestions for any other kind of material, thanks, Richard
rspark
With respect to my not trying to make a stand because of lack of know-how, I certainly think I could manage it (my other hobby is building rustic furniture). But sounds like the efforts may be offset by the possibility of building a wobbily rack. Still looking for a possible rack to buy...could afford a critical mass rack but really do not want to invest in the platforms that sound like an integral part of that design. Am still uncertain and would welcome suggestions.
most lumber yard stores will sell mdf. you will need 3/4 inch think at minimum. thicker is better.

you will need some hardware. four threaded rods and nuts.

i built one. it weighed over 50 pounds.

it is more cost effective than buying one.
George, I built one with mdf as Mrtennis and also built a similar unit but used Pennsylvania slate. Shouldn't be wobbly if you tighten the nuts.
I would guess that if you can buy threaded nuts that flange out to a large diameter, you would not have problems with stability. Using large fender washers might also provide some advantage, but not as much advantage as flanged nuts.
Not that I think Achetype racks are all that stable either (nor, ulitmately, is the Synergy Twin which I own, compared with a truly stable non-adjustable rack like a Billy Bags or similar), but George's home-brew experience was undoubtedly further compromised because Salamander prefers to make the Achetype design not with MDF shelves, but solid hardwood. Personally, I've been thinking of making some replacement shelves for my Synergy, either out of hardwood (the top and bottom are already maple), or high-density particle board, or perhaps 1/2" HDPB laminated to 1/2" MDF and covered in matte black, Formica-type high-pressure laminate to create somewhat of a constrained-layer sandwich with dissimilar resonant properties (or at least a greater resistance to chipping!).