How To Cut Mdf Wall Panel

The table saw features a platform to steady the panels as you cut.

How to cut mdf wall panel.

Laminated mdf can also be cut with either a circular saw or a jig saw. A table saw fitted with a fine tooth wood blade is a good choice for making lengthwise cuts called ripping in wall paneling. To make straight cuts in your mdf acquire a circular saw that has a cutting speed between 3 000 and 3 350 metres per second 9 800 and 11 000 ft s. Repeat this numerous times until the laminate is completely scored.

Hold a metal straight edge against the cut line and lightly run the utility knife blade over the line. To make life easier we cut that panel down into a narrower strip which would be covered on both ends by mdf boards. Place the template on the panel in the correct location and trace around it with a pencil. If using either of these score the laminate before cutting.

Raise the blade to 1 inch from the tip of the highest tooth to the point where the blade emerges. Make a paper template of any openings. This will act as a straight edge and give you the best cut for paneling. Cut openings make cutouts for any wall plates outlets or electrical boxes in panels as needed using a saber saw equipped with a fine cutting blade.

Then the fun part trying to cut the panel so it lines up perfectly with both holes and the beam and other panels. For the best cut possible install a blade that has at least 60 teeth and a width of about 355 mm 14 0 in. It also adds a very sophisticated finishing touch. I worked out i wanted three panel features so brought four sticks of this decorative moulding for 5 25 each.

You ll need basic diy skills and a couple of days to fit it and you might have to swallow a few preconceptions about faux period panels. Snap a chalk line to get your cutting line in place and then clamp two guide boards to the paneling just wide enough apart to allow the sabre saw to run between them. Install a panel cutting blade a laminate blade or a cabinetmaker s crosscut blade on a table saw. The first hurdle was to get the mdf board onto the wall even though the first hurdle was really trying to get this board home in my fiat 500 i measured the wall and cut the board to size with a hand saw.