I’ll be making bookshelf sized speakers… I’d like to be able to make them from MDF. I’ll be carving designs into the sides as well.
TIA!
In my experience, nothing special (any ol’ woodworking router bit). Just be sure to have good dust collection/dust mask, MDF dust is not healthy to breath.
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Hi @Odzi .
Almost any 1/4" shank bit will cut MDF. Which specific bit you need depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. An “Up-Cut” bit will pull the chips/dust up and out of the cut and leaves a clean bottom but might leave a rough top edge. Similarly, a down-cut bit will push the chips/dust down as it goes, but leaves a great top edge.
For cutting, I generally use either a 1/4" or 1/8" compression bit which has the benefit of both. A smooth bottom (or bottom edge if you’re cutting all the way through) and a smooth top edge.
For engraving something like a logo or design, you will probably need to look into some of the more specialized “ball nose” and other bits that will produce a good dimensional look (aka “3D”) to your carve.
There are far greater experts here whom I’m sure will chime in but hopefully it helps. Research “IDC Woodcraft” on youtube. Garrett has a ton of great information on which bit is good for what…
Wayne
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Thanks for the tip man!