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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: pixelgeek on 15 November 2024, 02:53:10 PM

Title: Cutting MDF
Post by: pixelgeek on 15 November 2024, 02:53:10 PM: I have a large number of 2-3mm MDF movement trays. I was thinking of cutting these into smaller pieces either to use as cavalry/chariot bases or as smaller movement trays. I don't have any woodworking tools so is it possible to accurately cut MDF with just a hobby knife to score lines and a smaller handheld saw?
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: Cat on 15 November 2024, 03:13:56 PM: Yes. I've cut MDF with multiple scorings with a heavy blade. I've also scored a line to use as a cutting line for a hobby razor saw. Also done it by scoring both sides, snapping, then filing the rough middle bit.
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: ithoriel on 15 November 2024, 03:49:27 PM: MDF dust can be nasty stuff, best wear a mask.
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: fred on 15 November 2024, 04:55:16 PM: It can be done with a knife - but I have found it hard to cut to a straight line (even using a ruler). You will need a lot of cuts to get through 2-3mm MDF.

I’d think about how many cuts you need - cutting in half is practical, cutting into many pieces, I think you will find is hard work and will just wish you had bought some smaller bases instead!
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: dampfpanzerwagon on 15 November 2024, 05:48:31 PM: Cut it slightly too big and sand the edges back. I used sandpaper stuck to a board with double sided tape to ensure a truly flat sand.

Always were a mask - MDF dust is not a great product to be breathing in.

Tony
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: AndrewBeasley on 17 November 2024, 10:23:50 PM: A "Stanley knife" not a general hobby knife would be my go to with a new blade.
Do not be surprised on how quickly the blade blunts either...

https://www.tooled-up.com/artwork/prodzoom/STA010088.jpg (https://www.tooled-up.com/artwork/prodzoom/STA010088.jpg)
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: pixelgeek on 18 November 2024, 12:20:28 AM: Quote from: AndrewBeasley on 17 November 2024, 10:23:50 PM
A "Stanley knife" not a general hobby knife would be my go to with a new blade.
Do not be surprised on how quickly the blade blunts either...

I am never surprised by how quickly those blades will dull. I picked a new utility knife up recently so I will give that a try. I have a pile of cavalry to base and I don't want to wait for my Warbases order to make it here before I get some Boar riders on the table.
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: traveller on 18 November 2024, 08:40:06 AM: I use a small hobby saw, works fine :)
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: Fitz on 18 November 2024, 07:31:09 PM: While it is possible to cut MDF by repeatedly scoring it with a knife, it's a terrible way of going about it.

Better by far to just bite the bullet and get yourself a gents saw. You can spend as much as you like on these, but I've had years of good service from one that only cost me about 15 dollars (kiwibucks).

(https://paulsellers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/IMG_20190913_095329-1024x768.jpg)

I also cobbled together a simple mitre box for my little modeller's razor saw out of scraps of 18mm MDF that makes cutting 90 and 45 degree angles a breeze. It's not necessary, but it will certainly make life easier.
Title: Re: Cutting MDF
Post by: Andy in Germany on 23 November 2024, 05:08:16 PM: A very nice setup. Unfortunately products like MDF chipboard, ply, et c, are full of resin and glue (and in the case of chipboard, up to 9% metal) which is very hard on saws.