Why does chipboard blunt tools?

[RogerM]

Because it's full of scrap iron, that's why! I've been cutting up a lot of MFC recently for a kitchen and have used Egger as it was recommended as a premium brand. However, it's amazing how much iron there is in it. I suppose it's made of reclaimed wood that will some times contain old screws and nails and a few staples, but I'm astonished at how many cuts show the glint of steel. I've had to get a second blade for my track saw which I keep for "real wood" because the MFC blunts saw blades and domino cutters in no time at all. I always thought it was the resins but the iron will do far more damage.

Here's an example which is typical and not at all uncommon.

You expect to hit the odd nail when using reclaimed wood but I'm getting heartily tee'd off with this sort of stuff in a premium product!

 

[RogerBoyle]

Worktops are much worse :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[custard]

Sure that's not a bit of your Kit-Kat wrapper?

 

[RogerM]

Sure that's not a bit of your Kit-Kat wrapper?

Not unless they've started wrapping them in 2mm sheet steel. :twisted:

 

[wallace]

I used to work for a company called chep and they are the biggest pallet repairers in Europe. All the boards and blocks which were removed from damaged pallets went to worktop producers. trust me there was a lot of nails in them boards.

 

[longinthetooth]

You'd think the chipboard producers would remove steel with magnets, but then they don't have to use the end product. Glass will likely be present as well, since old windows go ino the chipstream too. Also the resin bond used is quite hard.

 

[G S Haydon]

Many years ago I was profiling MDF and as I peered in at the cutters you could see sparks! That's why god made hardpoint hand saws and TCT saw blades

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You'd think the chipboard producers would remove steel with magnets, but then they don't have to use the end product. Glass will likely be present as well, since old windows go ino the chipstream too. Also the resin bond used is quite hard.

You forgot the floor sweepings. #-o