Planing MDF

[helenwpower]

Hi All,

Any tips for planing MDF? I have a planing power tool that a friend has lent me and I only need to shave off 5-10mm on a strip about 1m long but it feels like I'm not getting anywhere. I'm a weak and feeble girl but it shouldn't be this hard, surely?!

 

[xerxes]

If you are using an electric planer and it's not removing any material, that suggests that:

- you haven't adjusted the planer to cut any wood

- the blades are very blunt (or even missing?)

An electric planer doesn't need any manual strength to operate. You do need to hold it square to the edge you're planing, and make sure your stance allows you to start and, especially, to finish the cut level. Check as you go and correct any errors before they go too far. Mind the dust: MDF produces an unpleasant fine dust when machined, and it should be collected properly.

If you're not used to planing, maybe it would be a good idea to practice on some scrap material before trying to plane your workpiece.

 

[Master of None]

Dust Mask
Or take it to a local timber merchant and have them cut it on their table saw for 50p or free, depending if the boss is in.......

 

[^woody^]

10mm an even 5mm can be cut with a handsaw, and finished with a sanding block

A " surform " plane is good for MDF

Don't breath the dust in.