A jigsaw cuts MDF as easily as it cuts plywood, although you should keep in mind that the more teeth the blade has, the less chance there is of chipping the material around the edges of the cut. Hence a steel-cutting blade, while cutting more slowly, will keep the edges intact in a sensitive cut.
Any blade that can rout wood will rout MDF, but carbide-tipped blades will dull less quickly than steel ones. MDF produces copious amounts of dust while routing, and the problems this creates can be reduced by using a handheld multipurpose tool with a routing accessory. When routing, always move the tool against the direction of the blade rotation, or it can spin out of control and ruin the edge on which you are working.
MDF is incredibly dense, so use slow, gentle motions to work your way through it. A jigsaw cuts MDF as easily as it cuts plywood, although you should keep in mind that the more teeth the blade has, the less chance there is of chipping the material around the edges of the cut. You can also cut curves in MDF with a handheld multipurpose or rotary tool fitted with a multi-purpose cutting blade.
It’s a tough choice to make, but I think that a jig saw is going to be the better choice as a DIYer or homeowner’s first power saw. A corded saw, whether you choose a jig saw or circular saw as your first power saws, will last for years, while the batteries of a cordless saw might give out sooner. So that’s my take on the jig saw vs. circular saw purchasing decision.
I don’t recommend this, but if you must, do what I did. Leave some extra room, then sand it down with a power sander and 40 grade sandpaper so that it’s nice and straight.
A circular saw is a very commonly used saw amongst those who work with lumber, especially for those workers who are doing so on site. “As well as this, a circular saw is one of the most dangerous power tools to use if used incorrectly, with some 10” circular saw blades reaching max speeds of 6500 RPMs. You can imagine this. If you’re constantly needing to rip through boards, you know a jigsaw won’t cut it, so a circular saw is the more preferred option for you.
circular saw or jigsaw for mdf Related Question:
Can you cut MDF with a circular saw?
To make straight cuts in your MDF, acquire a circular saw that has a cutting speed between 3,000 and 3,350 metres per second (9,800 and 11,000 ft/s). For the best cut possible, install a blade that has at least 60 teeth and a width of about 355 mm (14.0 in). For additional strength, pick a blade that has a carbide tip.
What saw blade is best for MDF?
Cutting MDF and man-made materials: Use a 50-tooth to 80-tooth blade. 60-tooth and up blades often make better cuts in dense materials. Plastic laminate: Use an 80-tooth cross-cut blade. You may be able to use a 60-tooth composite blade for thinner materials.
Is a jigsaw better than a circular saw?
A jigsaw allows you to make cuts that are more intricate, and can also make curved cuts. A circular saw has one job, which is to cut quickly on heavy woods in straight lines.
How do you cut MDF without chipping?
MDF is a highly fibrous material and will quickly dull blades. Always use carbide blades, and use the sharpest blades available. More TPI on your saw blade will result in smoother cuts with less chance of chipping. Lower TPI blades will cut faster.
Is it safe to cut MDF board?
MDF has three advantages over other wood products: it can be manufactured at almost any thickness its surface is ideal for painting, veneering or laminating and it can be cut smoothly without splintering.
How do you cut MDF by hand?
Starting the Cut Begin at a high angle just to get the teeth in the board, and then slowly bring the angle of the cut down until you are cutting through as much of the width of the board as possible. You want to make sure you start a groove that the teeth of the saw can begin to follow.
Can I cut MDF with a Stanley knife?
2) You need a utility knife that can be used for cutting atleast 1/2″ MDF. There are many different brands out there, but I personally just use the ones made by Stanley or Olfa.
Can you cut MDF with a utility knife?
You can score the laminated MDF with a knife, but you’ll need something more powerful to cut through completely. Keep a metal edge straight against the cutting line, and lightly pass the blade of the utility knife over the line, repeating until the laminate is fully marked.
What are the disadvantages of jigsaw?
According to Johnson and Johnson (2000), there are also some disadvantages of using the jigsaw method, they are: 1) require some time to prepare students to learn how to work in groups, 2) require some time to make groups that each group has heterogeneity in their member ability, and 3) teacher should make special
Is it worth buying a jigsaw?
Jigsaws can cut cut wood of varying thickness and density, and when fitted with the correct blade, they can also cut steel, fiberglass, and drywall. This adds to the tool’s versatility and makes it more valuable in your workshop. Changing blades is easy.
What saw should I buy first?
A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.
Why does jigsaw not cut straight?
Your jigsaw may not be cutting straight because it’s outdated, lacking guide bearings necessary for straight cuts. Components such as blade clamps and guide bearings can also get damaged or worn. It’s also possible that human error is to blame, and you need a better straight edge or technique.
Are jigsaws good for straight cuts?
Jigsaws are capable of making rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts and bevel cuts in a wide array of materials. A jigsaw is even capable of starting an accurate straight line cut from the middle of the material, if you have a need for a plunge cut.
Does a jigsaw cut straight?
The jigsaw can be used to make both straight and curved cuts in a wide variety of materials, including wood, particleboard, plywood, plastic, metal, even ceramic tile. It’s also safe and easy to use, which is why it’s often the very first power saw a new DIYer buys.
Should I wear a mask when cutting MDF?
Don’t Cut It Without a Mask Cutting and milling MDF produces a lot of dust and fine particles which contains high levels of urea-formaldehyde due to the adhesive resins contained within the material. Wearing a mask is highly advised as the dust particles produced contain formaldehyde which is a know carcinogen.
