Creating MDF frames, how to cut the MDF
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=26407
Printed Date: June 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Topic: Creating MDF frames, how to cut the MDF
Posted By: soup
Subject: Creating MDF frames, how to cut the MDF
Date Posted: February 13, 2004 at 4:39 PM
Ok, so I have read a lot on here how to do speaker rings, and if I have to do a perfect circle, I can do that no problem now, But I am trying to do frames for my LCD, 6x9's and a few other things, including the frame for the dash so that I can stretch the felt overtop of it.
I tried a jig saw, cutting just a little bit bigger than the lines I drew out, then sanding it down, but this is a huge pain in the ass, it took me about 2 hours just to get the 6x9's perfect. What can I use to cut these designs out perfectly? I dont care if it is a hand tool or a power tool, just as long as it isnt 2 hours of hand sanding.
Replies:
Posted By: soup
Date Posted: February 13, 2004 at 4:50 PM
I am talking about cutting out somn like this
Posted By: staudio
Date Posted: February 14, 2004 at 2:04 AM
To cut stuff like that perfectly you'd have to be really damn good with a jig.... OR do what they do and use table tools, stuff like a table mounted router. The pro's use all the prefection tools. Now from my experience cutting small frame pieces is best done the something like a rotozip, a high speed rotary tool like that can be tricky to learn how to make good cuts, but once you learn to control the beast the really make some excellent cuts. Well, thats my take on this stuff.
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Posted By: soup
Date Posted: February 14, 2004 at 4:28 AM
I have used a roto zip a few times, but I find it only works if you are doing curves.. it works awesome for curvs but I find damn near impossible for straight lines. What table tool are good? a band saw? That is the only thing that I can think of. thanks
Posted By: iaudio
Date Posted: February 14, 2004 at 10:28 AM
A bandsaw with a thin blade or a scroll saw would work.
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Posted By: devilsquid
Date Posted: February 14, 2004 at 2:47 PM
i use a rotozip and a circular saw for most of my stuff...just my thoughts...
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Posted By: Autos4U
Date Posted: February 14, 2004 at 3:18 PM
Here is how I set my shop up. Kinda messy, I am cleaning now actually, just took a break. It is kinda tight, but it still functions. I use every tool very frequently except for the bandsaw. I think I need a different blade, it doesn't like to cut curves in MDF that is any thicker than 1/4". So I usually use the jigsaw then put the piece on the disc/belt sander table and shape it out. I do wish I had room for a table saw though. My Vertical panel saw is the BOMB, but you can't cut angles on it. The routers tables are by far the most useful pieces, especially after you start accumulating jigs. Just my .02 Tuck
Posted By: audiomechanic
Date Posted: February 15, 2004 at 9:24 PM
most of the framing pieces are cut with a jig saw. if you have a belt sander with a coarse paper on it that works well. or a scroll saw for more intricate shapes. you can also take thinner strips of MDF and brad nail them in the curves you need and router them on the router table. then you have a jig and can make that curve over and over and it will be the same every time
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Posted By: _DIZZ_
Date Posted: February 16, 2004 at 3:43 PM
One of the most used items in my shop is the drum sander, but until bough that I used a drum sander bit in my drill press.
Posted By: soup
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 3:45 PM
Thanks guys, I am not sure how the router tables work for this though, dont they just route channels in wood, or bevel edges?
Posted By: audiomechanic
Date Posted: February 17, 2004 at 4:30 PM
you can do those things with a table router.but you can also use jigs to copy things over and over. for most of the applications with a table router, you need to make something for it to follow, you can make radius jigs, speaker rings, you can curve strips of wood and get odd shapes and curves, you can also rabbet the edge of a ring or something to recess it around a speaker or give you a mounting a ridge for you to mount mold fabric to.
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