I've noticed that many people use foam boards as a backing when cutting plywood with a track saw, but I'm concerned about the environmental impact, especially the generation of microplastics. I'm curious if anyone has tried using low-density fibreboard, like the type often found in notice boards, as an alternative? I realize there might be some concerning adhesives in those boards too, but I think it could be a more eco-friendly option than foam. I've seen these fibreboards available at a really low cost in Europe, and I'm hoping to get some insights on this.
1 Answer
Yeah, using something like a soft fibreboard on an MFT-style table is actually pretty common! It works well, but I've found that foam boards are much easier to handle and they stay nice and flat during cuts. I even remember a video where someone used cardboard, but you have to be super careful with the cutting depth if you go that route.
Just to clarify, I'm specifically talking about the really soft fibreboard used for notice boards, right? It's quite light and holds small items well, unlike MDF. I've built my own small MFT-style setup, but I don't have space for a big one, so I want to check if replacing foam with this lighter option is viable.