Laminating / Vacuum Table

In the process of building a laminating table for a boat project I just started. Table size is 5 x 10 covered with 3/4" MDF.

I plan on applying vacuum against the table for infusion and/or vacuum bagging so need a surface that will be robust. I've read that the formica/contact cement solution works in the beginning but the formica will begin to crack after a while and can also bubble. I figure this is a three year table so I'd like to do it right the first time.

I was considering rolling tooling gelcoat over the MDF with duratec to try and minimize sanding afterwards. Has anyone ever done this? I do not need to have a perfect finish since I will be spraying LP over the parts.

If there are any other thoughts on how to surface the table I'm all ears.

One fella suggested glass but that seems a bit risky and expensive.

Thanks,
T
www.firstlightproa.blogspot.com

 

Glass works but is delicate.MDF is very porous and you will need some kind of impermeable surface.You could apply Formica with Cascamite rather than contact glue.Alternatively,you could use a sheet of aluminium,which can be cleaned with Scotchbrite and normally gives a good release.

 

Thanks

Thanks for the idea..

The woodworking guys use durabond 800 which is also a fermeldahyde-urea glue similar to cascamite.
Found a 5x10 sheet of ultra gloss formaica for $100. So we'll go that route.

Tony

 

You can use particle board with melamine if you replace it regularly, it's cheap stuff.