Opinions Wanted Does MDF cut and join like wood?

[LeMieuxGalleries]

Hi there!

We have a great client we need to match a previous frame job for. The manufacturer no longer makes the profile in regular wood, but does have the exact same profile and finish in MDF. I've never cut or joined MDF before. Will my double miter saw and AMP v-nailer work just the same if I order length of the MDF??

 

[Artrageous]

Yes, it cuts and joins like regular wood.

All Bonanza styles (BW) made from Framerica are MDF.

 

[Ylva]

Should be no problem at all. It is a bit denser, so to v-nail it, I up the air pressure a tiny bit. Cutting is no problem.

 

[tedh]

Use hardwood v-nails as well, to avoid loose corners. Don't get any glue seeping, because tapes are tapes, and you may get some loosening if wet.

 

[Jeff Rodier]

Also don't v-nail close to the outer edge or it will split off.

 

[Ylva]

I don't use the hardwood nails for it, but like Jeff, I don't go too close to the outer edge

 

[Bill Henry-]

Once again I will offer a contrary voice.

I like to cut wood moulding with a manual Morsø. I find that cutting the MDF e.g. Framerica Bonanza, is very difficult even when I take tiny bites out of it. MDF is very dense!

I use an old Pistorius manual V-nailer – not a pneumatically powered variety. I am not a 90 pound weakling, but I find driving either hard or soft V-nails into MDF almost impossible with the VN-J.

I hate working with the stuff.

 

[Paul Cascio]

MDF is probably tougher on blades, and it's heavier to ship, but it's far less prone to warpage than wood.

 

[tedh]

Wow Bill!

I just finished two Framericas ten minutes ago: the blades flew through them, and the vnailer worked wonders. You and I need to talk.

 

[Ylva]

I cut them on my saw, never tried it on the chopper. I also have a pneumatic v-nailer and if I up the pressure a little, it joins perfectly with normal v-nails.

Time for an upgrade Bill......any upgrade!

 

[j Paul]

Besides MDF mouldings, I have build a lot of things out of MDF sheet goods and I can tell you that with the appropriate sharp blade that it cuts much easier than plywood or even solid hardwoods. A dull blade will burn through it though.

V-nailing it though is not a problem for me at 90psi, all I do it set the vertical clamp pressure a little tighter and as other have said, don't nail to close to outside edge. ( I have also choppped it with a Morso with no problems. )