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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: hardkore on May 18, 2020, 12:19:41 pm
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Gurus,
Can any one advise me in the planning of MDF?
Will it cause the planer blades to dull faster than wood?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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You can plane MDF but, I would advise against it. Yes, it will definitely dull your blades faster than wood. The dust is the main reason I avoid MDF. Here is just one portion of an article about MDF use.
Wear a good mask
There’s one thing you’ll really hate about MDF: the fine, powdery dust that invades your clothes, hangs in the air for hours and clings to every surface like a coat of frost. Cutting MDF is a dusty job, but routing it is even worse.
Whenever possible, I cut and rout MDF outside. When that’s not possible, I drape sheets of plastic over shelving and other hard-to-clean areas in my shop and use a fan to blow dust outside. When installing trim in a room, cover doorways, close air vents and expect to vacuum every surface when you’re done, even the walls. Clean your vacuum filter often—the fine dust plugs filters quickly. And a tight-fitting dust mask is essential.
The entire article can be found here: https://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/woodworking-tips/what-is-mdf-plus-tips-for-using-mdf/
God Bless! Spirithorse
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Not a Guru, but prudent. In the piece provided by Spirithorse it noted "a tight-fitting dust mask is essential" which precludes most facial hair for a tight fit - if applicable. In the vernacular of the day I would highly recommend social distancing and not allow mdf within 6 ' of you or your shop. If it's not there it can't hurt you or your family.
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I found a large "box" (14x20x36") at the curb. It apparently was a combination of oak and MDF with oak veneer.
It looked good, but, after your replies, I believe I will salvage what oak I can and have a bonfire with the rest.
Thanks for the help.