Mdf

[andrew whicker]

I can't buy sheets of MDF right now (Utah) because I'm not a big enough buyer... I think I MAY be able to buy 3/4, but I can't get 1/2 to save my life. Otherwise, I'm relegated to HD or Lowes.

So anyway, for all those telling you to buy some at the pro shops... ha.

[Bob Jones 5443]

MDF is such a useful material for jigs and sturdy backing tasks. When I was in a professional's shop in England a couple of years ago, I saw him using green MDF that was exceptionally sturdy and dense. It machined like butter. No idea where he sourced it –– didn't think to ask. It might not be available in the US, but if I could find a sheet each of 1/4" and 3/4" I'd jump on it.

[Rick Potter]

Just a suggestion about blades.

When I cut MDF or Melamine particle board, I usually change blades to a 7 1/4" circ saw blade. Dirt cheap, and easy to find. Very thin kerf too. I hate to dull a $100 blade on that stuff.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Just a suggestion about blades.

When I cut MDF or Melamine particle board, I usually change blades to a 7 1/4" circ saw blade. Dirt cheap, and easy to find. Very thin kerf too. I hate to dull a $100 blade on that stuff.

(As I smack my forehead and exclaim!>!>!>!)THAT is so simple....why did that never occur to me!


Thank you
That tip alone is worth every penny of the $6 yearly subscription to here!

Thank you -Thank you -Thank you (as Gomer Pyle would say!)

[Jack Frederick]

Looks like the standard available HD 3/4” MDF is the right tool for the job. I just got a price on the Medex from Royal and it is $327 per sheet. I have a good sense of humor, but yikes!

[jack duren]

I never noticed the difference, but after 40 hours I send the blades of to be sharpened..

[Frank Pratt]

Just a suggestion about blades.

When I cut MDF or Melamine particle board, I usually change blades to a 7 1/4" circ saw blade. Dirt cheap, and easy to find. Very thin kerf too. I hate to dull a $100 blade on that stuff.

Honestly, I don't really notice that carbide blades dull much faster with MDF. I realize they do, but it's not enough for me to go through the hassle of changing out the blade. Steel jointer & planer knives are quite another thing though. MDF will dull them pretty quickly. My son unknowingly edge jointed a bunch of MDF pieces & the knives were noticeably dulled where it ran across them.

[Rick Potter]

In my case I use the Melamine particle board much more often than MDF. Agreed MDF is soft, but don't forget the old adage about dulling a knife cutting paper.

Melamine particle board now, is another matter. I have seen sparks come off the blade cutting that. They used to make some that had much more glue, and was more dense. Forget what it was called, but that was like cutting rocks.