Cutting MDF

[Darren01274]

What is the best Saw/Tool to cut out the sides and panels for Arcade Cabs.

[HaRuMaN]

Table saw / router / circular saw

[Franco B]

Personally, jigsaw the bulk of and finish with a router.

[Darren01274]

Hi used a jigsaw but wasnt getting very good straight edges and was a little jagged

[HaRuMaN]

Right, which is why Franco uses a router to finish.  Basically, you get a flush trim bit and a straight edge, and route the MDF for a perfect straight line.

You can also cut one side, and use it as a pattern for the router to cut the other side, that way your 2 sides are identical.

[Epyx]

Personally, jigsaw the bulk of and finish with a router.

Table saw / router / circular saw

+1 to both of these

Although I would put router ahead of the table saw. I strongly believe that the router is the single most important/versatile cab building cutting tool.

You could build an entire cab with just a router and drill.

[Darren01274]

Thanks guys. I don't have a router I was looking but there are so many which ones would be the best to get. Also how easy are Routers to use to get good straight lines etc.

[Marsupial]

I am new to using a router.

all I can say is this:

GET ONE

It is incredible the things you can do with a router, it opens a new world of woodworking opportunity. Seriously.

[Darren01274]

What Router bits do I need to cut out the cab and T-Moulding.

[Epyx]

Also how easy are Routers to use to get good straight lines etc.

What Router bits do I need to cut out the cab and T-Moulding.

It is easy to do a straight edge with a router. Router's have bits called flush trim bits. They will have bearings either at the top or bottom of the bit. This means you place a template piece (straight edge, circle, curve etc) above or below and use that as your guide. IE if you use a straight piece of wood as your template, you will get a straight line.

If you go to T Molding.com it will show you what slot cutter size you need (Another router bit) for the selected T Molding. 

As for starting bits. Here in Canada we have a store called Canadian Tire that usually has sales on sets of carbide tipped router bits (not sure where you are).  These sets are usually 48/96 pieces etc for obscenely low prices (like $29.99/$49.00).  The set will include a good assortment of flush trim bits and other useful ones but the slot cutter is usually special order but many company's make them (like Freud etc).

[Darren01274]

Hi thanks for the info wow this forum is the business. And all you guys are very helpfull!!! many thanks

[Ed_McCarron]

And, needless to say, when working with MDF wear a decent respirator and safety glasses -- the stuff makes dust like theres no tomorrow.

[dawolv]

And, needless to say, when working with MDF wear a decent respirator and safety glasses -- the stuff makes dust like theres no tomorrow.

 
ALWAYS

[Marsupial]

The magic of a router with shopvac connection is that 95% of that dirt gets sucked in the shopvac before you see it. Its really miraculous!

[jholman76]

And as with all tools that can easily take a finger/life...

Respect it.

a bit rotating at 25,000 rpm can be quite the deadly weapon. Make sure the bit is secured. I usually turn my on in pulses to make sure it isnt going to hurl out and put a hole in my temple, but thats just me being way to safe.

besides the special-order slot cutter, I tend to stick to Porter-Cable and Freud bits. After a close call with a cheap carbide circular saw blade (flying carbide bits), I only get the name brand.

And I second that a router will open up your wood-working abilities like Aladdin promised Jasmine on that singing carpet ride.

OH, there are a lot of how-to videos online. Just google router videos and you will find a lot. Watch the safety ones too.

and FWIW, dont hold your mouth open when cutting anything. Especially laminate. I'm still spitting out black bits! 

joe

[Darren01274]

LOL thanks. I think now is the time to watch the videos while the wife watches Emmerdale haha