If you aren’t familiar with the term MDF, it is one of the most commonly used building materials in the world. It’s used to make various furniture, cabinets, and doors. For these applications, MDF must often be cut to size. This typically happens across a wide range of industries that use MDF, including furniture and cabinet making, as well as the construction industry.
In this article, we will go through how MDF gets cut to size from the initial raw materials that have been sawed into manageable pieces to the final machined face.
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What is MDF?
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers. This material is often used in furniture, cabinetry, and framework. In addition to its rich texture, MDF is known for durability, strength, and affordability.
The manufacturing of MDF results in a smooth surface that is ideal for painting and shaping. It can be cut and drilled without chipping or splintering. This makes it an excellent product for applications where a smooth finish is desired.
MDF is also more stable than solid wood and stands up better to changes in heat and humidity. It’s also free of knots and other defects have no grain pattern, can be cut, routed, and drilled more cleanly than solid wood, accepts screws with no pre-drilling, takes paint exceptionally well, and holds screws tight.
Benefits of MDF over Solid Wood
It’s incredibly smooth on both sides and can be machined to a very high finish without additional sanding. It can also be sanded much finer than solid wood products because of the uniformity of fiber density.
Unlike solid wood, it doesn’t warp when exposed to humidity changes. For example, plywood will warp when exposed to changes in humidity, but MDF does not due to the fact that there are no grain patterns present in the material.
MDF weighs less than solid wood, allowing easier transport and installation of finished products such as cabinets or shelving units.
What Tools You Need to Cut MDF to Size
When working on a project that requires cutting down stock from big sheets to smaller pieces, the tools needed will depend on the thickness of the MDF. There are a wide variety of tools that can be used to help cut down MDF, including rotary cutters, guillotine cutters, skill saws, and table saws.
The first thing you’re going to have to do when it comes to cutting MDF is mark out the lines. This can be done by using a pencil or any kind of marker. Marking out the lines before you cut the MDF down to size with the tools will help you cut the material straight.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is an excellent tool for cutting MDF as it’s so simple to use. It’s possible to make straight and accurate cuts in seconds using this type of tool. A circular saw can be used by anyone regardless of their skill level, so it’s a good tool for beginners and experts alike.
Table Saw
A table saw is another great tool that can be used to cut MDF down to size. This type of tool allows you to make smooth and quick cuts like the circular saw but it doesn’t have the same noise level, making it very efficient and convenient. When using a table saw, make sure that you’re wearing all of your protective gear because this type of saw requires a lot of power. Thus, it can be dangerous if you don’t operate it correctly.
Of Course, there is a great chance you don’t have such type of equipment. To get your MDF cut to size you should find a good MDF cut to size company.
Steps for Cutting MDF to Size
Cutting MDF to size isn’t a complicated process, but it does take some care, as the material can be unwieldy. You can cut MDF using either a circular saw or a table saw to make straight cuts, or you can use a jigsaw for curved cuts.
Other tools that work with MDF include routers and band saws. You should wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from flying debris with whatever tool you’re using.
Step 1: Measuring the Board
To start with, measure the plywood or MDF board. You need to make sure that you’re cutting the board to the right size. Use a tape measure or yardstick to take measurements of the board. Use a pencil to mark the spot where you need to cut.
Before you cut, use a broom or shop vacuum to remove any sawdust from the floor and the area around your cutting station. That way, you won’t slip and fall, or step on something that can pierce your boot and injure your foot.
Step 2: Cutting the Board
Next, place the board on a workbench or table saw. When you’re working with MDF boards, it’s important to wear a mask because these boards can release small particles and fibres in the air. Make sure that your mask is tight around your mouth and nose while you cut MDF boards.
The best way to cut these boards is to use an electric saw. The saw will give you a smooth, even cut without splintering the wood. If you do not have access to an electric saw, you can use a hand saw, but this will take more time and effort and will result in a rougher cut.
When using an electric saw, be very careful near your fingertip areas as they are close to where your fingers are resting on the material being cut. It’s important that you take extra care when operating any kind of power tool in order to prevent accidents from happening.
Takeaway
In conclusion, we genuinely hope we were able to answer the question – how does MDF get cut to size? You can purchase MDF boards in a variety of sizes, but they are also commonly cut down to different sizes to fit the needs of a project. Most hardware stores will offer this service, but you can also do it yourself at home with the right tools and some patience.