Woodworking Network: Hardboard was “discovered” by George Mason. According to the legend, Mason was running the press for making wood fiber ceiling tiles, a low density product that relies on intwining of the wood fibers to form a weak panel. However, Mason went to lunch one day and forgot to open the press before he left. When he returned, the heat and pressure had compressed the fiber tile into a dense, dark colored, thin panel. This new panel product was called Masonite.
1 comment:
This is a great article when it comes to the basics of Masonite. It really explains a lot about why it is such a unique product and behaves the way that it does, without going on ad nausium about the process. There are some key takeaways from this article that anyone who works in a theatrical shop should know. First, tempering is almost essential for any application in our industry, even more important for flooring. Second, pay attention to glued joints and consider using a different adhesive than yellow woodglue. Third, be careful with your fasteners! There isn't anything more annoying than seeing the 1" diameter bubbles on the corners of masonite sheets on a stage floor. Finally, at the end of the day, none of this matters if the paint charge isn't happy finishing it. This all may be a moot point given Paul Lumbers supposedly discontinuing their line of double tempered maso, opting for the cheaper HDF sheets, but I am doubtful maso is going anywhere anytime soon in our business.
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