What is best tool to cut MDF??

[axefreak]

Ok I think I am finally going to start my own project (building a cabinet) and I am wondering what is the best tool to cut MDF?

1)  jig saw

2)  circular saw

3)  router

I want to cut my panels nice and straight.....any suggestions?

Thanks,

RIck

[SirPeale]

4) All of the above.  They'll all work, provided you have the know how.

Make sure your tools are sharp and clean.  Nothing cuts worse, and does more damage, than a dull tool.

You want a nice straight edge?  Use a straight edge to ensure it.

[rdagger]

If you could only have one, I'd go with the jigsaw.  Except for T-molding and laminate, a small handheld jigsaw can do everything including curved cuts, angle cuts, cutting Lexan,  cutting out patterns in a CP,  making a cutout for a coindoor.

[markb]

For a perfectly straight edge I use a circular saw as on thick MDF a jigsaw blade tends to bend a little and cause the edge to be uneven. However whenever I need a curved edge I always use a jigsaw.

[froggerman]

To keep my cuts straight when cutting from a new sheet of MDF I use the factory edge of another sheet of MDF as a straight edge for may circular saw. Works great if you don't have a metal straight edge. Oh, and a carbide tipped blade is recommended for cutting MDF.

[TalkingOctopus]

I will put another vote on circular saw w/ guide for straight cuts.  My circular saw was much more powerful than my jigsaw so it cut through MDF more quickly and easily than my jigsaw did.  However, I used my jig saw for circular curved edges.

[axefreak]

Thanks for all the input!!!!

[DougHillman]

If you could only have one, I'd go with the jigsaw.  Except for T-molding and laminate, a small handheld jigsaw can do everything including curved cuts, angle cuts, cutting Lexan,  cutting out patterns in a CP,  making a cutout for a coindoor.

A router can do all of those including the T-molding and the laminate.

[axefreak]

DougHillman.....how do you use a router for straight cuts and what type of router bit would you use?  

Thanks

[nathan118]

I assume you get a straight cut just like the circular saw, with a guide. If the bit is perfectly centered in the router, then it would always be the same radius from the straight edge. Seems like that would take a wee bit longer though.

[DrewKaree]

exactly as Nate said, use a straight edge.  The blades on all of these tools is not perfectly centered (usually, although jigsaws are the exception to the rule) so you'll have to figure out where to place the straight edge.

A router bit spins ~20,000 rpms, so it won't go bunches slower than any other tool you'd use, and as a plus, it'll put a smooth-as-glass edge on your pieces.

Oh, and the bit for a router HAS TO BE perfectly centered in the middle of it, so you can use any "side" of the circular base to start your cut and not worry about if it's the same as the opposite "side" of the router base.

[rchadd]

circular saw - for straight line cuts

[axefreak]

Are there special router bits for cutting thru wood (as if you were using it like a circular saw)?  If so, whats the name for it?

Thanks

[KrawDaddy]

Absolutely a router for everything except beveled cuts.  Like others have said buy a 4 foot piece of 2" angle iron and some C clamps.  Get some scrap wood between your work peice and the clamp.  Takes longer but the results are worth it.  If you use a circular saw you WILL be disapointed.  Check out the Nostalgia cab in project sections every cut on the cab including the dato joints and circles was cut with a router.  The only time I used a table saw or a circular saw was for end panel beveled cuts.  Try it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the easiest way for a beginner.

Kind Regards\

Kraw

[DrewKaree]

Are there special router bits for cutting thru wood (as if you were using it like a circular saw)?  If so, whats the name for it?

Thanks

double flute straight bit....triple flute is better for this application, but they're not easy to find in stock at your local hardware store.  And carbide.  Don't settle for anything less than carbide - micro grain carbide, if you can find it.  High Speed Steel (or you'll see it as HSS) will cause you problems in this type of application.

[Madman]

Here's what I did... I basically drew the pattern out then used a hole saw on all of the curves (mine didn't have many) then cut the straight lines with a Ryobi 18 volt circlular saw with a clamped straight edge... Worked like a charm!

I also used a pattern bit for my router as well... this also works well but you need a template to start with..

[krick]

Absolutely a router for everything except beveled cuts.

You can even do beveled cuts using chamfer bits...

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_chamf.html

Though you might need to clamp a piece of wood underneath to give something for the bearing to run on.

- OR -

You can clamp a piece of angled wood to your piece and use a flush trim bit to cut a bevel...

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_patrn.html

[KrawDaddy]

Good Point!  Ive even built jigs and shimmed the router to cut a bevel and a curve at the same time.

[the3eyedblindman]

for ur large straight cuts, definately a circular saw, its real quick, and gives u perfectly straight lines, as long as ur blade isnt dull. A jigsaw is ok, but the blades arent as strong and it takes more time. i was making a cut with a jigsaw and my blade bent alittle so i got a messed up edge. Id only use the router for ur slot for tmolding. Thought Id try and help, thanks.

[javeryh]

Crap!  I ordered the 3-wing slot cutter and the 1-1/8" forstner bit from MCLS already - I guess I'll have to place another order for the straight cutting bit!

[the3eyedblindman]

why? your 3 wing slot cutter and router will make your tmolding slot?

[Tailgunner]

Crap!  I ordered the 3-wing slot cutter and the 1-1/8" forstner bit from MCLS already - I guess I'll have to place another order for the straight cutting bit!

Order a flush trim bit at the same time. It's basically a straight cutting bit with a bearing attached. Once you cut the first side panel with the straight cutting bit, you'll be able to use it as a pattern and cut an exact duplicate for the other side panel using the flush trim bit.

[froggerman]

One more point about using a router for cutting. Remember that the bit is not always going to be centered in the base plate. So to compensate for this you just have to make sure that you are always running the same spot on the base plate against your straight edge. I have also made a special base plate that has a straight edge on one side instead of being circular. This eliminates this problem. I like to use a 1/2" double flute straight cutter which has 2" of cutter height. Not really required for arcade cabinets but sure is useful if the material is greater than 1" thick.

[DrewKaree]

One more point about using a router for cutting. Remember that the bit is not always going to be centered in the base plate.

I'm highly interested in what brand and model of router you have, as I have owned 4 different routers, and each is dead nuts center.  I've had a Craftsman, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, and now a Ryobi with 3 different base attachments, all centered.

So to compensate for this you just have to make sure that you are always running the same spot on the base plate against your straight edge.

since the base plate is almost ALWAYS circular, it would be highly improbable that you're going to be that precise.  I've never attempted to do this, and have never, meaning not once, had an issue with this.

I have also made a special base plate that has a straight edge on one side instead of being circular.

I believe Fein, DeWalt, and Milwaukee either come standard with this type of base, or have it as an option.  There may be others, but those are a few that come to mind.

I'm very interested to know what make/model you have, as your experience seems to be directly contrary to mine.

[versapak]

My Black & Decker router has a straight edge, but that may go hand in hand with saying DeWalts have one.

[fatbasta]

Wow! ya'll have all these fancy tools, I just use my teeth like a beaver....

[SirPeale]

why? your 3 wing slot cutter and router will make your tmolding slot?

I think his point was that he already did his order, and will have to do another order.

Luckily MLCS does free shipping.

[DrewKaree]

My Black & Decker router has a straight edge, but that may go hand in hand with saying DeWalts have one.

Ya know, though, I really don't think that the majority of people know that the two companies are the same....Kinda like Lexus/Toyota, Nissan/Infinity, Honda/Acura

[froggerman]

One more point about using a router for cutting. Remember that the bit is not always going to be centered in the base plate.

I'm highly interested in what brand and model of router you have, as I have owned 4 different routers, and each is dead nuts center.  I've had a Craftsman, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, and now a Ryobi with 3 different base attachments, all centered.

So to compensate for this you just have to make sure that you are always running the same spot on the base plate against your straight edge.

since the base plate is almost ALWAYS circular, it would be highly improbable that you're going to be that precise.  I've never attempted to do this, and have never, meaning not once, had an issue with this.

I have also made a special base plate that has a straight edge on one side instead of being circular.

I believe Fein, DeWalt, and Milwaukee either come standard with this type of base, or have it as an option.  There may be others, but those are a few that come to mind.

I'm very interested to know what make/model you have, as your experience seems to be directly contrary to mine.  

I am not a router expert, but the people who claim to be always make a big deal about this.
I have never had a problem with this that I am aware of....but I am pretty careful about not truning the router when I am using it with a straight edge. I have done some fairly involved routing without problems.
I have used a DeWalt 610 in the past and am currently using a couple of Porter-Cable 600 series routers at the moment.

[KrawDaddy]

There is no need for a straight edge on the tool just clamp a fence and run it snug along its edge... hell as for bit centering place a mark on the router as to which edge to use aginst the fence.

[Zero_Hour]

Kinda off topic, but I think the best tool is an experienced carpenter.

If you know anyone with woodworking experience, their guidance on the proper techniques for using various tools is invaluable. If you're really lucky you might get to use their shop.

I would also suggest checking your local community college for furniture or cabinet making classes. We offer one at the school I work at, and for a small fee, I have access to a professional-grade cabinetmaking shop with every tool I'll ever need, and expert advice as well.

[fatbasta]

Yes, we should all have our own personal Norm.  Unfortunately all I had was a crazy 8 fingered 9th grade shop teacher with a fixation on clowns.... His moto was "no Bozos" and he had a picture of Bozo the clown on the shop wall.  To this day I still don't know what that ment.....  Sorry, kinda off topic.