Surface planer - does it produce a smooth surface?

Question

I'm going to cut some 12 mm wide strips of MDF ( 30mm thickness) using a table saw, and I want to finish off the cut surfaces but without using a sander. I was wondering if a surface planer would be ideal.

I would obviously guess that running a piece of MDF through this type of machine is not going to get the material super smooth like you would get using a sander, but how smooth would the surface be.

Basically, as long as it takes out any saw cut marks from using the table saw that would be OK.

Basically, I have a sheet of MDF (30mm) thinkness that I need to cut into 12mm strips. The important thing is that I need the cut surfaces to be free of any machining marks because I aim to use the cut sides of the MDF as the top surface of a new sheet which I will make from putting lots of strips together (they will be glued onto a backing board). I guess it's similar to doing a mosiac. When I cut the strips of MDF using my table saw, it leaves some faint saw marks on the material. I just need to know if I put the strips through a surface planer will the planer get rid of those marks. I don't mind if the surface is quite rough as long as there are no machining marks. Lastly, it would not be possible to sand the cut surfaces of the MDF because it will damage the grain - so to speak.

Answer 1

you dont run edges through a planer , you run them through a joiner. planers are for the surface of the wood , your question sounds as if you want to take saw marks off the edges. if im mistaken i apoligize

Answer 2

A stock fed planer, even with an extremely sharp set of blades and at the highest RPM's possible isn't meant to give a finish smooth surface.

Beyond that, the fact that it's MDF means the stock is basically a composite, and can shred or chip in the process.

Without knowing your reason for plaining other than reducing thickness, is the sanding Not going to accomplish that to an adequate reduction? Certainly sanding will take longer or more effort, and you can reduce the grit size during the sanding process.

I'm thinking you've been asking questions about this project in series, and is it an edge you need smooth or the face of the stock? If it's an edge a table/belt sander will work as well, if the grit is fine enough to remove blade marks. in the end you may have to do some hand sanding depending on how smooth you want the surface to be.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

A planer will bring smooth surface to the MDF but it will depend on the quality of the planer. most 3 blade planer should do a fine job on that.

tip: To make sure you don't get an indention in the ends run a throw away peice fof wood the sam thinkness before and following the board you want to plane.

Answer 4

MDF has no grain, so I don't understand why you can't sand it???? Please clarify........I use a palm sander to sand off saw marks on MDF.......Is it because you think it's easier???? Also,MDF can dull your blades on your planer/jointer vary fast, make sure you have sharp blades...But I would use a router with a straight cutting bit to get rid or saw marks.....

Answer 5

The person that said you can't run the edges thru is wrong. A jointer is made for edges, but the planer works just as good. The MDF may splinter, so don't be to aggressive with your depth settings.

Answer 6

for material like that I would do two cuts on my table saw. One rough cut then repace the blade with a very fine tooth blade and make your final cut. You can use a planer/jointer Thats probably what your refering too anyway but theres no qaurentee with composits.