what kind of table saw do I need for MDF?

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Printed Date: May 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM

Topic: what kind of table saw do I need for MDF?

Posted By: crazymodgsr
Subject: what kind of table saw do I need for MDF?
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 12:49 PM

I want to start buying some proper tools, as tools make all the difference when making an enclosure, etc. I am trying to find out what kind of table saw I would need to cut an angle in the edge of MDF (for making a box with a slanted front for instance). Also, a lot of cheaper (since I don't want to go broke buying stuff) table saws only seem to cut up to like 23", but obviously a box can easily be wider than 23", so what do I need or how would I make a nice straight cut that's say 44" or something. Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: February 05, 2005 at 10:35 PM

Most shops will build a large table and flush mount the table saw into it. So that 1 person can cut a full sheet.

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Posted By: bluetruck
Date Posted: February 06, 2005 at 11:33 AM

but how do you cut the big pieces to build the table to cut big pieces? this is the real question my friend!

Posted By: bambalahny
Date Posted: February 06, 2005 at 12:17 PM

I'm a finish carpenter and cut big sheets all the time. An easy solution to cutting huge sheets is to just get a 4' X 8' of particle board or somethng hard and smooth, and using a handhend skill saw, cut a slit with the blade somewhere in near the center or left or right the sheet. Cut the slit just a little bit wider then the blades thickness and width. Next screw on the handheld saw ( corded not cordless they overheat way to fast) to the sheet and flip the sheet over so the blade is facing up. Next I get something really straight and not flexible more MDF... Aluminum...something with a straight edge.. and screw it perfectly parrallel to the saw blade at whatever width you need. You can also cut a few extra slits in the sheet "table" to move the saw to other locations on the board. And as for gluing the piecesd together use poluyurethene glue and nothing else.

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: February 06, 2005 at 12:55 PM

bluetruck wrote:

but how do you cut the big pieces to build the table to cut big pieces? this is the real question my friend!

The sheet on sawhorses and use a router to build the top. You should already have a tables saw if you are building the table and you would use that for all other pieces.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.