Cutting MDF Backing Board

[Fat Jedi]

Any tips on cutting MDF backing board for general framing?

I'm using a steel rule and sharp utility blade, but it always needs a rub with foam sanding block afterwards giving the edges a lighter finish than the middle and a rounded edge.

I'd love it to look like the pre-cut boards you can buy at Lion - will one of the bigger media cutters like a keen-cut do that for me?

FJ

[iantheframer]

We have an old style bookbinders guillotine that we use, end shears also will work, but struggle with 3mm. obviously a table saw is best, but dust noise and space are a major issue.

Glass and Mirror will supply cut sizes just as they will with glass

[stcstc]

my fletcher 3100 cuts mdf very nicely

as its wall mounted doesnt take much space etc

[mikeysaling]

our keencut 3000 is ONLY used for mdf does a fantastic job on that - glass we never have managed properly!! i still finish edges with sandpaper although not strictly nec with the 3000 but remember all our frame backs are removable.

[prospero]

Heavy Duty Rotarim.

[John]

Ignoring the topic, some folks prefer to discuss the merits, or otherwise, of MDF.

An excellent subject that really deserves its own topic, so I have shifted that discussion to the Outgassing sub-forum. (Not that it necessarily needs to be in that particular section, before any asks, it just seems appropriate.)

I cut my MDF on an Excalibur.

[Bagpuss]

I use an Excalibur 5000 as well, can cut MDF, backingboard, foamcore, glass , styrene glass (apparently). Just set the stops up once, twiddle the appropriate cutting head round and you can do it all on the same machine, it has saved so much "messing about" time over the years, a great machine

Bagpuss

[Big Ada]

Hi,

Until recently I cut my MDF back boards the same as you for 2 years, until I brought a Flecher 3100 off e-bay 2 months ago, I will honestly say if I knew it would be that easy to get the quality on the finished cut I would of brought one years ago, its no just the quality of cut also the consistancy and accuracy I sell alot of supply only frames so imagine cutting 50 boards at a time you just wouldn't get them all the same I know I've tried also the squareness is spot on every time. Its wall mounted takes up no space at all. Not only MDF boards glass, mountboard foamboard etc this is the cutter for you.

Adrian

[Fat Jedi]

Thanks for the suggestions and PM's everyone - I think this is sorted now!

Regards

FJ