Which tracksaw blade to cut melamine mdf?

[mikej460]

I have just bought a length of 18mm melamine covered mdf that I need to rip without chipping. I have a Triton tracksaw that takes 165mm blades 20mm bore. It is currently fitted with Freud 48T which is excellent on birch ply but what blade would be best for the melamine mdf and which make?

 

[TheTiddles]

Sharp blade, masking tape on the cut line for insurance. For just one cut I’d not buy a new blade, unless it was already blunt

 

[porker]

That blade would probably be OK if still sharp. I have used a triple chip blade 48T from Key Blades before which was very good.

 

[Ollie78]

Sharp blade, brand new preferably. Do a 1mm scoring cut first if cutting from the face, better to cut from the back so the teeth are pulling into the nice surface rather than pulling it upwards as it exits. Masking tape can help but nothing will help if its blunt or if you go too fast.

Sometimes despite precautions it will just decide to ruin your day.

Ollie

 

[mikej460]

Thanks all, the blade is relatively new so I'll try masking tape, scoring cut and from the back. Above all I'll try a test cut first.