{"id":2578,"date":"2022-02-04T12:18:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T09:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/?p=2578"},"modified":"2022-09-07T12:00:21","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T09:00:21","slug":"how-to-cut-mdf-without-chipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/how-to-cut-mdf-without-chipping\/","title":{"rendered":"How to cut MDF without Chipping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chipping is a common problem when it comes to cutting Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF). When this happens, it is difficult to repair and this makes the final product look unpleasant. Therefore, to cut cleanly, the choice of the tool and the skill matters a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cut MDF without chipping, you need to get sharp carbide tipped blades with a higher number of teeth, clean the table saw and install the blade, adjust it to match the size of the board, start the saw, and push the MDF board along the marked lines until the cut is completed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies on chip morphology in MDF reveal that chipping is a condition that is caused by many factors. It concludes that there is a close relationship between chip formations, cutting conditions, and cutting forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That means, the tools used for cutting MDF and the speed as well would dictate the quality of the finished cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to understand that MDF is a versatile board that is useful in a variety of projects. From making cabinets, wardrobes, shelves, tables, and other indoor or outdoor projects, you should not that they are a bit different from plywood. MDF is thick, strong, and with melamine laminate that may chip when cutting if no proper cutting is put in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to cut MDF wood without chipping it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When cutting MDF, it is either you are doing straight or curved cuts, and sometimes you are drilling holes for fitting works. Therefore, to make precise and clean cuts without any chipping, we will look at two options that are common in most woodworking projects \u2013 that is making straight and curved cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making straight cuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most common cut that every woodworker must do with any project. Whether it is making cabinets, drawers, decks, or any other project, straight cuts are inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of cutting MDF in a straight manner involves the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 \u2013 Setting up<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Setting up means getting the right tools that will not cause chipping. In this case, you need to ensure you are using the right blades, whether for a router or a table saw. In this case, use a carbide-tipped blade, and the more teeth, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, clean the working table to ensure that no dust would otherwise interfere with your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2 \u2013 Mark some lines on the MDF board<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is an important step before you begin your cuts. You need to do the measurements and ensure that you are cutting right. Mark the points that you need to cut, and draw some lines along those points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 \u2013 Clamp a guiding edge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On the working table, clamp a guiding edge, whether a piece of wood, a ruler, or anything straight and not too thick on top of the MDF board that you have pre-marked. Ensure that the marked lines are next to the edge of the guiding material so that the blade will pass through the marked line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4 \u2013 Cut the board<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

After clamping, and with the right router and blade attached, now run the router as you keep it in contact with the guiding edge while cutting the board. Don\u2019t stop until the end of the board.  You will realize that the cut is clean and free of chips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making curved cuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Curved cuts are not as easy and common as straight cuts. With this, you need different tools and some skills. Some tools you can use include the circular saw or jigsaw. In our case, we are using the jigsaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 \u2013 Choose a bi-metal cutting blades jigsaw<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The first step is to get a jigsaw that can work with different blades. Then get a bi-metal jigsaw blade that you can place inside the jigsaw\u2019s blade clamping mechanism. This is to ensure that you are using the right blade to cut your MDF so as to avoid chipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2 \u2013 Clamp your MDF piece<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Place the MDF board such that it lies on a plank of wood on the working table. The area that you need to cut should hang over the edge of the plank of wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 \u2013 Mark the area to cut<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Using a drafting compass or a large woodwork divider, mark the area that you want to cut. This is dependent on the type of project you want to do with the wood. You may want to cut to the end to make an MDF board, or to some point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4 \u2013 Cut the marked area<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With the jigsaw, place the front of the shoe of the jigsaw at the part where you want to start your cutting. At this point, ensure that the blade is in line with the marked area. Now turn on the saw and use a slow but gentle motion as you cut through the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic MDF cutting techniques\/methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two techniques or methods when it comes to cutting MDF, that is a table saw and alternate methods. Both methods are useful when cutting MDF and are useful for any project that utilizes MDF boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The table saw method<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most basic method that every woodworker would apply when it comes to cutting MDF. So long as you have a table saw and the right blades, this is the most convenient and fastest method you can learn. Table saw method happen in these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1 \u2013 Install the blades<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned, not every blade is good for cutting MDF. This is because some blades may cause the MDF to chip hence compromising the results. And because of the high glue content of the MDF boards, the blades should always be carbide-tipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After installing the right blades on your table saw, now adjust the blade height such that it is higher than the height of the MDF, which is about 0.5 inches higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2 \u2013 Clean the surface<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

After installing the right blades on the table saw, now you want to ensure that your working space is also clean. You can use a vacuum cleaner to ensure that all the dust or any other object that may scratch the MDF laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 \u2013 Wear the safety gear<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Safety in any woodworking project should be the number one priority. Ensure that you are wearing your safety gear so that the chips do not get into your eyes. In addition, wearing safety goggles for eye protection, you should also wear dust masks since cutting may generate some dust that may otherwise irritate if not protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4 \u2013 Start cutting<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin cutting, you need to start the saw. After that, push the MDF that you want o cut along the marked line until the end. Since you have used the right blade, you should expect a clean cut that is free of chippings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for perfect MDF Cuts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You need to understand the properties of the MDF before you begin to cut it. This is to ensure that you cut it the right way and avoid chipping it. Of course, MDF is dense and with high glue content. Therefore, some of the tips to help when cutting include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n