scrolling with MDF

[Homerjh]

quick one, i recall MDF being a right messy sod when cutting, so what is it like using it for scrolling?

i have a few large sheets i could use to play with (think 7mm or so) but dont want to be covered in mdf if it produces a lot of dust!

ta

 

[Chippygeoff]

A lot of people use MDF because its cheap and its easy to cut on a scroll saw, theres no awkward grain. I have used it quite a bit in the past but not any longer. The dust from it is toxic so if you do use it then you really need a good dust extraction system. Its a pig to paint, especially the edges and even with several coats of paint its still difficult to get an acceptable finish.

 

[thirsty]

Second that

 

[bodgerbaz]

third that - used it from time to time but you REALLY need a good mask and painting 'end grain' is a nightmare. Having said that, it cuts uniformly as there is no grain and the flat bit takes paint well.

 

[Homerjh]

thanks, not that fussed for hassle really, will leave it gathering moisture in the cellar corner...

 

[Grayo]

I used MDF for the first time with my new scroll saw for half an hour before it went bang lol. I had the scroll saw hooked up to my dewalt dust extractor so didn't see any waste apart form a little bit on the table but that was it. Re the painting what I was going to use was spray paint from B&Q, first a coat of spray primer then a top coat, can't say what it's like because I've not finished it yet but as soon as I get my project finished I'll let you know what the paint finish is like.