I've had access to the dark masonite for more then 40 years and it doesn't sound like the same stuff you are talking about. I have the spec sheets for it somewhere in my collection of stuff... There was a plant that made it in WI, can't recall the name of the town and the main company was down south somewhere, it was named after the guy that came up with it Mason. The original company has been gone for a while and I think several companies have owned the rights to the name....
It was processed then coated with an oil and then baked hence the name oil board was sometimes used. That also accounted for the dark color. The original stuff I worked with was smooth on both sides. The stuff while heavy would never have broken in a simple fall... way to strong and flexible for that.
I too have all 1/8" peg board and you can find the hooks and stuff at any of the big box stores. And they still sell a 1/8" peg board which I think now goes my the name fiber board product.
I do recall a material that sounds like what you are taking about, it had a "clay" surface but was formed in layers rather then the more uniform masonite tempered stuff... in fact it may have been made by them for siding houses???
So maybe it depends on where you lived as to what the material was called and where it came from.
I seem to recall seeing a boat that was built of this stuff during WWII... I think it maybe some where in WI but the I'm not sure if it is still there. I'm sure that is where the plant was.
I found a place about 50 miles away that said they would order it for me but wanted a 10 sheet order... I keep hoping to find it sitting on a shelf somewhere like I use to. I was told I could order it at Home Depot but after several attempt trying to find someone who actual knew how to do it and would do it I gave up... that is why I have the spec sheets for it so they could simply copy down the numbers but....
Maybe this spring I will get back on this... I've been using the lighter brown stuff that is finished on one side and undersized but it is not any where as nice for jigs as the tempered finished on 2 sides stuff.
Ed
jpg40504 wrote:What has lately been called 'tempered' is not like the 'old' stuff. I do not know who originally produced 'masonite' but about 30-40 years ago the taiwanese began shipping 'hard board' here. Theirs was 'softer'. Have not seen any of the OLD hard dark brown very hard since. The old stuff would 'shatter' if dropped hard.
It all was made usually in 1/8" thickness. Some 1/4" also. Only thing that would survive cutting it was carbide blades(not common then and expensive).
Used hacksaw to cut it many a time(steel cutting teeth).
They used to make pegboard out of it with 1/8" holes. The 'newer' stuff was so much softer that they had to go to 1/4" holes today. My shop walls are of the old stuff(built 40+ yrs ago). Only trouble is 1/8" hooks etc. are almost impossible to find nowdays. They also used to make counter topping with a VERY hard finish in various colors(50+ yrs ago).
