Can you run MDF through a planer

[mlcampbe]

Since I am unable to find 5/8" MDF locally I want to try running my CP made out of 3/4" MDF through a planer to reduce it to 5/8" but am concerned that it will make a mess of it.

Anyone got any experience with running MDF through a planer successfully?

[nullb0y]

try a test peice first.... / why not just use the thicker wood or make the cp out of other materials

[mlcampbe]

I made a sample CP out of the 3/4" material planning on buying 5/8" later on and adding a 1/8" piece of plexi over it. However, the 3/4" panel came out very clean and also I am having trouble finding 5/8" MDF too.

If I use the existing 3/4" and add a 1/8" piece of plexi then my t-molding won't line up properly.

[prOk]

mdf will dull your planer knives quickly... and the planed side will have a fuzzy texture that only some 400 grit sanding will fix.

[nostrebor]

You can do it, but it plays hell on planer knives.

I would router a Rabbet 1/8" deep around the bottom of the CP. This will allow the bulk of the material to be 3/4", but the edge you see with T-molding on it will look like it is 5/8" material with 1/8" plexi. Knievel uses this technique all the time on his builds. You might peruse a few of his threads for details.

[javeryh]

You can do it, but it plays hell on planer knives.

I would router a Rabbet 1/8" deep around the bottom of the CP. This will allow the bulk of the material to be 3/4", but the edge you see with T-molding on it will look like it is 5/8" material with 1/8" plexi. Knievel uses this technique all the time on his builds. You might peruse a few of his threads for details.

That's a fantastic idea!