Can You Route MDF: Tips & Tricks

Well, you have seen that many craft works or even household renovations, including the outdoors, require the MDF. The reason for using MDF is its hardness, resistance, and other qualities that make it strong enough.

However, you will need to shape the MDF according to your design while using it or to mount the workpiece anywhere. That’s when you will need to know can you route MDF or not, and if you can, how to do that.

The guide will help you know the steps and methods of routing MDF properly without damaging the surfaces and machines. Thus, you can make many structures accurately using MDF.

What Is Routing MDF?

We all know that MDF is a kind of wood that is pretty hard and another characteristic of it is, MDF is waterproof.

That’s why people use the woods to make more robust surfaces; moreover, you will find MDF on ships and other naval items.

You may want to know what does it mean by routing MDF; it means cutting the MDF boards according to your desired surface. You can use anything to route and shape the MDF that is not too much harsh on it.

Therefore, it is an emergency to know which cutting machines are appropriate for applying on MDF so that you can get the perfect finishing.

Can You Route MDF?

Yes, you can route MDF with some specific routers and vital bits if you know how to operate that on MDF. Some spiral routers and bits also work well on MDF, but the problem is they are way too expensive for most people.

Let’s see the process of routing an MDF board for a nice and smooth edge; I hope you will find it easy.

How to Use a Router on MDF?

You first need to choose the right router for MDF; for example, routers with incredible speed and perfect edge cutting features are best for MDF. Now you may think you will need some routing bits to attach, but what are they.

The answer is carbide flute bits, but you can switch them with straight plunge bits if you find them slightly expensive for yourself. You will also need other items to sharpen the blades, clean the surface, and align the MDF.

Anyway, let’s see how to use a router on an MDF board to use the experience further.

The Universal Method: Edge Profiling

With this method, you can decorate and design the edge of a medium-density board and make it look beautiful. Let’s see the steps, including the necessary items before:

Things That You Need:

You will need glasses and ears protection for yourself to prevent any particle from going into your eyes. On the other hand, you will need ear protection because the routers make a loud noise.

You will get a fresh, bright MDF board of your desired size and something to clamp the workpiece to the table to prevent it from sliding.

The most important thing you will get is the router with a high-speed and the bits of your desired designs; you will have a variety in front of you.

Time Needed: Once you set the routing bit and plug the router, it won’t take more than 5 minutes.

Step 1: Gather the Items And Wear Safety

The things that you need are mentioned above, and have them gathered. Next, you will have to wear safety glasses and ear protectants. Please ensure that the router is unplugged when you’re bringing it and it’s clean.

Step 2: Get Your MDF And Router Ready

Clean the upper surface you will be working on to remain fresh and don’t interrupt the routing process.

Next, you have to either clamp the workpiece or set a cloth beneath the board to avoid sliding or changing the alignment.

You will have to clean the router too, and check if its parts are okay or not; please don’t plug the router until you select the bits.

Step 3: Join The Bits

Select the design that you want on your MDF edges, and attach one bit to your router. Would you mind tightening it after you have joined it? Once you pull the bit, you’re ready to route.

Step 4: Start Mounting

Plug the router and turn it on, place it on edge, and run it anticlockwise smoothly. Would you please run the machine at a stretch on each side?

After you have made the first edge design, you will do the same for the final design. You will get a perfect edge when you determine the cutting depth through the bits correctly.

As you’re done with designing the edges, clear the dirt and check if it’s the thing you wanted or not. The proper steps will give you the desired finishing, and you will have the perfect MDF ready to build anything you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can You Cut MDF with a Hand Saw?

Answer: It’s not easy to cut an MDF board with a hand saw as the surface is pretty hard; therefore, experts don’t recommend it.

Question: Can You Screw into MDF?

Answer: Using an appropriate drill, you can have the perfect hole in an MDF board and screw it into it.

Question: How Much MDF Does Weight?

Answer: The weight depends on the board’s size, but the traditional weight or mass of MDF ranges between 55-95 lbs.

Question: Can MDF be Used Outside?

Answer: Though MDF is waterproof and can be in highly humid areas, you shouldn’t use them outside. If you want to, you can use it outdoors, but waterproof it more before that.

Question: Can MDF be Routed?

Answer: Yes, MDF can be routed with a dedicated router following some necessary steps.

Final Verdict

You may not have any confusion about whether you can route MDF because this article shows how to do that. Please remember the easy steps and don’t forget to choose the right items for the boards.

Practice more with MDF and routers so that you can be an expert in designing a beautiful edge there, and nothing can stop you once you master it.