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How hard is it to cut MDF with a normal handsaw?

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CheffoJeffo:

--- Quote from: javeryh on March 05, 2010, 05:20:58 pm ---Really?  Maybe through wood but MDF would just ruin the tool real fast I think. 

--- End quote ---

Yep, which is why I wouldn't use it for cuts best made with another tool. 

Firebat138:
I used a jigsaw on the one side and my circular on the other for the long cuts. The jigsaw tended to wave off a little as to be expected.  Shame you arent close enough, I have a saw you could have, just have to put a new blade in.

On another note, my next cab, the local Tech College has a CNC machine, and they are gonna let me bring my file in and cut the whole thing...  As long as I do it IN CLASS and make a presentation for the kids...  Sort of a trade.  :-)  If you have a college near by, it may be worth a shot...  Of course I took classes there and I do a presentation for the students twice a year..  HTH
Camper

Blanka:
You can also rent tools. A circular saw with guidance ruler for a few bucks a day.  :D

severdhed:
arcade building is not a cheap hobby.  you will end up spending hundreds of dollars on your cabinet, even doing it as cheaply as possible. so you have to decide if you want your giant expensive cabinet to look like you cut it with a hand saw, or if it is worth the extra money to buy a few tools to give you better results and save yourself a ton of work in the process.

you dont need to spend hundreds of dollars on name brand tools...harbor freight is your friend.

http://www.harborfreight.com/

if you are anything like me, you are not building things for a living.  if i were a carpenter, then i would spend money on high quality tools.  but i have found that buying cost effective tools from harbor freight works better for me.  i can get more of the tools i want, for less money.    personally, i couldn't imagine building a cabinet from scratch without at least the following power tools:

drill              http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3670
circular saw   http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94245
jig saw         http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46055
router          http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44914

TOTAL price for all 4, $101.96
i'm not saying those are necessarily the exact units you should buy.  i do however own that router and it works wonderfully.  some people here may tell you that these tools are junk and not worth the money.  but if you dont have any tools, and dont want to spend a bunch of money on tools you may not use that much, you can't go wrong with this stuff.  i personally have a few power tools that i purchased form harbor freight, and i am very happy with all of them

I own that trim router:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44914

corded drill:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3273

orbital sander:(got mine on sale for $8)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40070

and for my birthday, my wife bought me a compound mitre saw:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91995

i love all of them, and the really make the job of building something alot easier

SavannahLion:
Just thought I'd throw this out there, but Craigslist is a pretty good source as well. Local flea market kicks ass hands down for any power tools. There's a place near me (Denio's) and power tools are a staple there. There might be a place like that near you.

If you choose to buy from a source like Craigs, Flea Market or a pawn shop, I would advise caution on the older all metal body tools. Their bodies aren't usually properly grounded and with the older wiring, it could be frayed and there would be potential for electrical shock. Newer tools sport plastic bodies (or for the metal bodies) a plastic lining. Regardless of any power tool you buy from a secondary source, always inspect the power cord.

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