Cutting Mdf

[tandh]

I need to cut out a 2mm deep small rectangle out of mdf board which is about 5cm thick, it doesn't have to be too neat, but i have no idea how to do it, i was thinking with a chisel maybe? what do you think?

[webbo3]

However you do it, wear something to cover your mouth and nose, MDF is the new asbestos and dangerous if you inhale the dust and fibres.


Dave.

[tonyav]

Have you got a drill, tandh ?. If you have then I would mark out the small rectangle thats to be cut out and drill a series of small holes around it ( 2mm deep ) and then cut out the rectantange with a sharp chisel.

[vulcan42]

The best way would be a router but for such a small job, buying one would also be the dearest. As you suggest a good sharp chisel would do the job and as tonyav suggests, drill out most of it first.

[tandh]

I do have a router, but i value my fingers too much to try and use it lol, that's such a good idea tony, think imma go with that
the new asbestos webbo? really?

[tonyav]

I think he means the fine dust you get from MDF when cutting it, tandh.

[tandh]

is it really as bad as asbestos dust though? just had a nightmare dealing with that, now you're saying this is just as bad :-(

[tonyav]

Just try not to breathe it in when your cutting it, tandh.

[bookbinder]

1. mark out your rectangle.
2. drill a small hole (about 3 mm diam.) anywhere within the rectangle.
3. insert a fretsaw blade through the hole, connect the blade to a fretsaw handle and cut along your outline.

[vulcan42]

bookbinder, tandh doesn't want to go right through, the board is 5cm thick and the rectangle 2 mm deep.

[bookbinder]

My apologies.

[The Builder]

I would use a router , but Tony's suggestion of a drill would work. The problem is stopping yourself from drilling right through. The way to avoid that is to use a drill stand, with the plunge set to 2mm.

[fbg40]

Hi tandh
If you go down the drill bit method, place some masking tape around the bit at the depth you wish to go. Stop drilling when the edge of the tape reaches the surface of the wood. Hope this helps.
FBG40

[-Talbot-]

Why have a router if you dare not use it?

[weecalf]

Do you know anyone with a vicious dog ,simple ain't it

[jackthehat]

Sharp stanley-knife to cut perimeter of hole and then gently chisel/scrape out the area not needed.

The 'needle' of a wood drill-bit will reach 2mm before the cutting edge has got to the surface.

[webbo3]

http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/faq-mdf.htm


Dave

[tandh]

thanks for all the advice, using a drill and chisel worked a treat and it only took about 30 mins to do 4 rectangles :-) I brought the router for my ex to use, but he's not in the picture anymore. I have been so tempted to use it, but i think i'll end up doing more harm than good. @ the builder - i think for once my weakness has come in handy as i went though it so slowly i was able to stop when i needed too. Thank you for all your advice on the safety side of things too, i didn't realise it can cause so much harm