Okay I hate MDF I think a lot of us do. I'm finally building my last set of columns. As before I used glue, and then a counter sink to set the screws. seems no matter what I do this stuff wants to split. I hate this crap any suggestions? Is predrilling even worth it? I'm running out of ideas.

I used a lot of 3/4 inch MDF. What worked for me was to glue then pin the pieces together with a few 18 gauge pneumatic finishing nails. Then pre drill the holes and counter sink then put in the screws. You need to pre drill the full depth of the screw.

Still had a few blow outs.

Biscuits work extremely well on MDF.

If you use screws you definitely need to predrill for every one of them.

I must not have been drilling deep enough :)... I'll be sure to stick the drill all the away in next time. Brads glue worked well, I just wanted to makes sure it was pretty strong. So glad this is the last of the 3/4 MDF.

Only six more holes to to cut, I really hate the dust from this stuff. Even with a dust mask it seems to find away into my lungs an nose..

I used to hate predrilling, but after I got a Hitachi quick-change drillbit/screwdriver tip, I just dislike it rather than hate it.

lol

I used to hate predrilling, but after I got a Hitachi quick-change drillbit/screwdriver tip, I just dislike it rather than hate it.

Even better - two drills. :)

For the dust, I use a half-mask respirator rather than a dust mask. $20 at the local safety store (~$40 at Big Blue/Orange). It's well worth it for working with MDF, and a necessity for staining/lacquering/varnishing.

I'll pick one up. After I work with MDF I feel sick the next day. Almost like I have a cold.

When speaker building, I've just used glue, jigs and clamps. Doesn't go as fast, but you won't get any blow-outs.

Even better - two drills. :)

That was the method I used before I got the quick-change. I find it faster and less hassle to use a single drill vs two. YMMV :)

Try pocket holes. Google kreg jig.

I used to hate predrilling, but after I got a Hitachi quick-change drillbit/screwdriver tip, I just dislike it rather than hate it.

+1

The quick change attachment is a must. It ranks right up there with the mitre saw and dremel.

I've also found that 2 drills is clunky, especially when on a ladder.

You can also just use dowels if you don't have a biscuit cutter. A standard drill works fine.

Bryan

Okay I hate MDF I think a lot of us do.

I love working w/ MDF, and I am not being sarcastic in any way....

Use a countersink bit, and don't be afraid to go a touch deeper than you need to. A dab of putty stick or even some leftover Bondo body filler and those holes are flush and clean as a whistle.

Use good screws and a bit that isn't mangled.... If you spin the screw heads until they look more like rivets than screws, then they DO suck!!

Skip the driver bits that they keep on the counter before you check out, go back to the tools section and get a decent one on a hanging card that is a harder metal, and has those "grippy" ridges to help keep it from walking up and out of the screw head.

Also (and this seems so obvious, but I have seen way too many noob carpenters spinning bits in my day) press down when you are driving screws, fairly hard...

Or just call McFeely's and get some square drives (aka Robertsons). There are also Torx drive deck screws, and these are a dream to work with although the thread is a little aggressive for MDF.

If you can swing it, or are a tool hoarding moron like I am, get a biscuit machine and maybe a Kreg Jig. Good times.

Clamps of all sizes are your friends, Besseys are wonderful.

Get that pleated filter for the inside of your wet/dry vac, and use a whisk broom or shop brush to keep the garbage off it every time you empty the vac canister. And remove it before you use the wet/dry for wet.

Have a helper hold that vac nozzle to pull the dust off the work while you are cutting or routing, and you will have a lot less clean up time. I kept a nozzle and a spare chunk of vac hose permanently affixed to the underside of the table saw right ahead of the blade.... I just connected the hose, and turned the vac on when the saw was on.

Then again, I made a psuedo central vac system for the garage and kept that noisy SOB outside. I ran the hose and cord out the window and stuck the vac in the little plastic shed where I keep the garbage cans.

Or just call McFeely's and get some square drives (aka Robertsons).

+1 for this. My dad's been using McFeely's screws for 25+ years. I've never used anything else. Once you use them you will wonder why Phillips ever existed in the first place.

Oh I like the Robertson bits. Only six cuts left :)

I'll pick one up. After I work with MDF I feel sick the next day. Almost like I have a cold.


Interesting. Here in California, Home Depot will not cut MDF for you as it's listed on the State hazardous materials list.

+1 for biscuits. I used them for most of my joinery.

I actually have a ton of experience working with MDF. I am not sure what you are building but glue and a finish nailer should be all you need. MDF is not meant to be screwed. The holes will strip out. Just puddy the nail holes before prime and paint.

I have used MDF extensively for speakers and general casework.

For speakers, quite frankly, I use glue and drywall screws. Pneumatic staples are ok also. But...you must glue also - the screws only are there to hold it tight while the glue dries.

But...if you want to rely on screws for MDF - use CONFIRMAT screws from McFeelys - make sure you use the corresponding stepped countersink bit. These are bolt sized screws specially designed for MDF and work in connection with a special countersink bit.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/confirmat-assembly

I just finished a double wall oven cabinet using these to hold the shelves - they are very strong in MDF.

db