Cutting grooves through MDF using a CNC router - aparently not possible. Is this correct?
Question:I have a sheet of MDF (2500 x 1250 x 30mm) and I want to find out if it is possible to cut 3mm (or the width of the minimum size router bit possible) square grooves/slits across the MDF exactly 12mm apart. These grooves/slits would run the length of the MDF from top to bottom, but importantly would not run right to the edges of the sheet.
Basically this would mean I would end up with a large thick piece of MDF with very long slits (aproximately 1200mm long and 12mm apart) running right across the material.
I have spoken to a number of people who have suggested this is not possible because cutting the grooves/slits that close together would move the material or at least make it unstable to the point where the grooves/slits would not be straight.
Is this really correct? I find this very strange as I would have though that doing something like this would be incredible easy for a CNC router.
Answers:
hi
it's possible
you need a trait edge and a steady hand
good luck
Honestly I do not know.but those are my initials. LOL
You could get the same effect using a skill saw and a piece of batten as a straight edge, using this method you could cut the grooves easily in one pass.
Just remember to wear a dust mask as MDF dust is not good for your lungs.
12 MM apart thats plenty of space betweem grooves shouldnt be a problem at all! A portable router with a guide would be easier than finding a CNC large enough to handle a sheet that size.
Tim
I misunderstood before, If you.re cutting all the way through, full length except for the ends, your strips would be like wet noodles with mdf.
Good question, your correct it is incredibly easy for CNC, the problem is keeping the material in place. If the machine has a GOOD vac *** table and you take it out in stages then I would say sure go for it. since you are leaving material at each end then you will probably have to use a ramp cut to start each run and will have to finish up squaring up the beginning cut. As you remove each successive layer of material the amount of "hold" exerted by the table will decrease this will make it necessary to lessen the amount of material being removed you may even want to not cut each successive run in order, skip one or two and come back to them with a later pass. The 12mm remaining material will be pretty subject to movement, after all you will be only holding half as much as you started with.
Last the MDF comes in different grades, some better to use on CNC than others, and the bits offer lots of different cutting characteristics, some work to remove the material, others to keep the material in place pressure exerted in different ways. A Pro can help with these different issues
Doing this any other way than a CNC would be VERY difficult
Having watched my company's CNC at work I can see a number of problems with this project.
1. You won't find a 3mm router bit of sufficient length to cut through 30 mm MDF.
2. The machine would need a right-angle attachment and a slitting saw to cut grooves this narrow.
3. Using a slitting saw would give you an arc at the end of each slot.
4. The programming and labor charge would probably be prohibitive.
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