Laser Cutting MDF - Related Issues

[Bob WrightNC]

I've not cut mdf on my machine as of yet and started doing a little reading on the subject. Is sourcing MDF an issue, as it relates to resin used, formaldehyde, other possible toxicity/production issues? Looking for a reliable source for 1/8 and 1/4 inch material, which could be the Lowes down the street unless you point me in another direction. Thanks in advance for your comments and any thoughts you have on cutting and settings.

[John Blazy]

You want tempered hardboard, not MDF or the brown stuff at Lowes. I get mine from DSI - a cabinetmakers supply distributor of mainly plywoods. Duron Hardboard is much denser than the stuff at lowes, stronger, less prone to damage. If thats not a concern, and convenience is what you want then the Lowes stuff is ok. I never bothered to concern with toxicity because I have full vac to outside building, and keep vac running after cutting to exhaust room. AS to settings, everyones laser is different, and experienced pros always run quick settings tests rather than ask for suggested settings. Simply run different speed / power settings til it just cuts through nice at speed you want on test pcs before running the final program.