Can anyone advise? Am I using the wrong blade? Understand there are different "sizes" of blades for the electric saw.
2007-10-06 03:07:24 · 6 answers · asked by Novice Carpenter 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
With no offense meant at all..."Operator Error" is, in part, a cause; often.
The blade should probably be a TRIM blade/ Fine tooth; and the PLATE set no deeper than maybe 1/8 more than the material thickness. Certainly a CUT shouls be LINED by a pencil at least.
If the MDF is to eventually be covered you can attache a temp guide with a piece of lumber, measuring at the line to be cut; versus the size of the saw PLATE.
Steven Wolf
Part of the issue, with any blade is that it should be new/sharp. MDF is composite stuff, and the blade will collect from it. The blade will also HEAT and slow is the way to go; especially with a finish blade.
2007-10-06 03:13:59 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Electric saw" does not give us enough information...
I have used a variety of sizes and thickness of MDF in a production setting over the years, and have never had any trouble cutting it... I usually use a table saw, and for custom curves and such, a router.
If you are trying to cut this with a circular saw, you should try clamping a straight edge onto the stock. Use a crosscut, or trim, blade (more teeth than a rib blade, provides a better cut). Set the blade so that the teeth will just cut thru the bottom of the stock.
If you are trying to cut this with anything besides a table saw, router, or circular saw with a good trim blade... then you are using the wrong tool. Jig saws, reciprocating saws, etc.. are not made to get straight smooth lines, there is always some movement of the blade. They are handy for cutting curves and shapes... but I would still use a router to clean up the cut... use these saws mentioned only for rough stock removal.
If you care to come back and post what kind of saw you are using, we may be able to offer some tips on how to approach the matter.
Have Fun
2007-10-06 13:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to tell us what kind of electric saw you are asking about. Table saw, hand held circular saw, jig saw or radial arm saw?
Just about any blade can cut a straight line on MDF if done properly but the finer the teeth, the smoother the cut and less chipping.
2007-10-06 12:50:01 · answer #3 · answered by oil field trash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I want a true cut using a circular saw, I will clamp a straight edge to the sheet of wood product I am cutting, 1 1/2 inches away from the desired cut and run the saw along this edge. I use a miter saw for cutting MDF trim and small boards.
2007-10-06 10:54:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sharp blades and the correct blade. Watch the notch on the front of the saw" Not" the blade. Take you time but allow the blade to heat-up. Heat will cause the blade to warp and then it will not cut true.
2007-10-10 08:26:24 · answer #5 · answered by Homepro2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking "electric saw" or "jigsaw"? If you're using a jigsaw it is difficult - if not impossible to be ABSOLUTELY straight cos it's only a thin blade. If an electric saw it'll be your technique: practice makes perfect.
2007-10-06 10:51:48 · answer #6 · answered by Keith B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋