MDF Backing Board - edges ?

[A Few More Words]

We mostly use 2mm MDF for backing on frames. Each piece is cut (wheel cutter) on a Fletcher wall mounted cutter.
When assembling into the frame, sometimes we have the problem with stray loose small bits of MDF from the cut backing board. (ofter appearing after the assembly is fully complete !! )

Do any of you rub something over the fresh cut edges of the MDF to ruduce this occurance ? or some other method of curtailing this problem with MDF sheet ?

Thanks
Tom

[Jonny2morsos]

Yes, we use a different backing!

[prospero]

I use mainly 2.5mm MDF for backing. Cut on a wheel cutter. Never had a problem with stray bits. I always get a very clean edge.
I wouldn't try sanding it as this would make it worse.

[David McCormack]

I would try sanding it as this would make it worse.

Not like you Prospero to suggest something that would make the problem worse?!

May seem like a lot of work but you could wrap brown gummed tape over the edges?

[prospero]

Thank you David. What a difference an n't makes.

[David McCormack]

Yes it doesn't does it!

[misterdiy]

We use 2mm mdf and we wipe the edges round with an old towell. This gets most of the bits off, but we do occasionally get one or two. Oh and we use the wheel cutter as well.

[IFGL]

Have you got any play on your wheel cutter ?

[Roboframer]

What is this "MDF" you speak of, is it something new?

[A Few More Words]

We buy this 2mm MDF by the pallet of 288 sheets 1220 x 915mm. It is manufactured by Finsa Forest products. On closer examination today, we note that we have the same product with 2 different surface finishes - one appears to be dull - open while the other has a gloss surface - sealed ? I dont yet know if they are the same density.

There appears to be no play on the cutter assembly or wheels. I have done test cuts on both with 2 identical wheel cutters (one that has done a lot more cutting than the other) In all cases , we end up with a slightly raised edge on the back, which leads to some small loose pieces.

[Graysalchemy]

I use Lined Craft board looks like MDf cuts like card much easier.

[prospero]

I have found that MDF varies in quality. There is the nice smooth stuff and the rough, slightly 'sweaty' sort.

[Jonny2morsos]

I too use the lined kraft board and like the fact there is little if no dust. Another advantage is it is easier to get rid of the waste pieces by putting it with my cardboard recycling whereas with MDF it has to go elsewhere.

I keep one sheet of MDF in stock for one particular customer.

[Graysalchemy]

I have found that MDF varies in quality. There is the nice smooth stuff and the rough, slightly 'sweaty' sort.

I use a lot of 9mm mdf which has to be painted. Some of it is not 9mm as this as 7.5mm the surface is soft and woolly carp for painting, and also bows, but some is really good smoth hard and very dense. One thing I have noticed though it all comes out at the same price good and bad

[daughter of venus]

I hope you are all wearing masks whilst cutting the MDF!! I use corri-cor mark 3 now.....life is a lot easier I cut it on the mount cutter with no scratty edges (unless your blade is blunt) and scraps can be recycled in the cardboard bin.

[stcstc]

there are different grades

I tend to use O grade for visitor centre displays i do

[Graysalchemy]

I don't seem to get a choice

[IFGL]

try a little silcone spray on the runners spray on a rag and wipe it on (I do this daily my Excalibur has heavy use), it has to be silicone as oil will swell the nylon bushes, you will be amazed at the difference We cut up to 3 mm MDF with no sign of chodder, chodder or choddery edges(my own terminology) are usually caused by the runners not being quite tight enough and the head cockling slightly, the nylon bushes or runners can be adjusted with a small allen key. hope fully you will be chodder free soon.

Darren

[Bagpuss]

I fell out of love with MDF board years ago, using BACK/10 from Simons or Art-Bak Standard generally. The main reason for this was the poor cutting/accuracy I was getting using the Excalibur.

About 6 months ago I bought a second hand Lion Bench End guillotine that was advertised on the Forum, it had never been used Well I actually fitted it to the bench last month, what a revelation ! I had one of these about 15 years ago, not sure why I sold it, it cuts board and MDF beautifully, no shavings like I got on the Excalibur. I still use the Excallibur for cutting glass but everything else gets cut on the Guillotine now.
Thanks to Jack at LION, even though it was second hand, he was kind enough to send me a template for installing it on the bench

Adam/Bagpuss

[IFGL]

A correctly adjusted and maintained excalibur will act just like a guillotine.as the rollers are forced down they shear whatever is put between them, i had a long discussion with keencut about this , they actually recommend a silicon shoe polish to lubricate the runners , but i could not find the product