MDF or Wood 3D cutting

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scottp55
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by scottp55 »

Oh, LGM,
Dad LOVES his Cocobolo "Mountain" and the grain is about as wild as you get:)
The Claro Walnut one is loved already, and the guy has just seen pics.
The Lacewood one was going to be a gift, but I love it too much to part with, and am going to make a Cherry one soon.
All depends on taste I guess?
scott
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9.20.16 Dad's Cocobolo Katahdin 2.jpg
8.24.16 lacewood burnished bamboo.jpg
8.24.16 lacewood burnished LinWax bamboo0.jpg
Tommy's MDI Claro 2.jpg
Tommy's MDI Claro.jpg
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Bringing this back around to the question from the original poster...
I was wondering if this 1" MDF would be good for 3d cutting as I am just in the learning stages. If this worked, then I can attempt to use wood for my final cut project.
For learning about cutting 3D models any MDF will be fine. The pink (Owens Corning) or blue (Dow) foam are also good materials for learning.

There is a significant variation of quality in MDF. As others have mentioned, it's like the difference between cheap plywood and cabinet grade. The stuff found in the big box stores tends to be the lower quality product. If you want better quality MDF look for something like Medex, which is formaldehyde free, and cuts much cleaner as well.

Regarding finishing techniques, I encourage people to try things out. With the broader availability of CNC machines and high quality 3D models almost anyone can cut these items, but the real difference shows up in the finish. (How many of us have made something nice but then the finish ends up detracting from the final product? My hand is raised!)

For some projects I'm quite minimalist -- a light coat of lacquer or shellac. For other projects I'm willing to go through multiple steps, such as Danny Ray's MDF process. I'm also on the lookout for new and different techniques. Others on the forum have inspired me with what they have demonstrated: Dale Hellewell, Michael Mezalick, Jim McGrew, and many more. By experimenting and repetition I've learned which materials and techniques work best in different situations.

Use times when you are learning to try different finishing methods since it is OK to experiment on test cuts.
- Randall Newcomb
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by Leo »

All the down sides of MDF were already mentioned. Dust, fuzzies, dulling cutters.

Soo I want to add the upside of MDF.

It is somewhat inexpensive
It paints fairly well - with primers.
It is more stable than wood.
There is no "grain" to compete with the 3D object.
I can be glued together easily.
Sliced 3D components lend well to MDF.

There are LOTS of good reasons to use MDF
Imagine the Possibilities of a Creative mind, combined with the functionality of CNC

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by GJHall »

Wow, thanks for all the ideas! I have learned alot from one question.

I wanted to use MDF to learn the process of doing 3d artwork. As far as other woods, yes I will try those too.

I have a cnc plasma cutter and found the best way to learn was to use whatever cheap materials I could get to learn instead of wasting new materials. After learning on the cheaper scrap pieces I could get, I can now confidently cut anything from steel to aluminum and up to 1 1/2" thick. The learning curve was steep but now I make money with really good quality all from using other inexpensive materials to learn from.

I wish to thank all of the people on this site for your valuable help in helping someone new to learn cnc routing. The information on here and the willingness of all to help is invaluable!

Thank you all :mrgreen:

Gary

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by Xxray »

If you have the willingness to experiment and engage in trial & error, that is a huge advantage and alot of guys won't/can't do that because it pre assumes a certain amount of failure and wastage.

Thats exactly how I learned, yes had some help with technical aspects ,,, But generally, the bigger my scrap pile grew, the more my capabilities and knowledge increased. Knowing what not to do is often as important as knowing what to do, plus you can easily stumble across different methods and whole new concepts when you mess around with ideas.
Doug

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by TSM2018 »

I've been experimenting with MDF, what are better brands? I am in the Midwest States of the US, and have big box MDF from Lowes & Menards, but I've been using scrap from the scrap bin; pieces too small in a cabinet shop.

Can anyone share the brand names of MDF for quality that you liked?

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Look for a distributor of Medex in your area. When I lived in the midwest we had a Jeld-Wen distributor that carried it.
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by LittleGreyMan »

I have to experiment a little more, but using a wood hardener for rotting wood after roughing or semi-finishing the 3D shape gives interesting results.

No fuzzies while finishing and an interesting cardboard look, retaining fine details.
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Didier

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by ger21 »

Plum Creek is a high quality brand.
Or anything called "super refined".

I doubt that you can find it, but Medite 3D MDF is made for 3D machining. Probably would need to buy 40 sheets at a time. http://www.roseburg.com/Product/medite-3d/

Also, you might be able to find High Density Fiberboard, or HDF.
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by scottp55 »

LGM,
"interesting cardboard look"?
Got any pics please?
Having a hard time visualizing.
scott
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by LittleGreyMan »

scottp55 wrote:Got any pics please?
I'll take some ASAP.

If I don't post them in the next days, feel free to PM me a harsh reminder :D
Best regards

Didier

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scottp55
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by scottp55 »

Count on it (maybe:) :D
scott
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TSM2018
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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by TSM2018 »

http://www.roseburg.com/WhereToBuy/

Medex is a roseburg product (from Oregon). This link gives you the ability to search for Medex. I really think Menards purchases MDF from Roseburg. But there are 9 different varieties of MDF.

Thanks!

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by TSM2018 »

http://packardforestproducts.com/wppack ... 2-NP11.pdf

Here is a link for Plum Creek MDF. I would like to try this for architectural components. (I want to do a carve for our home fireplace - someday.) We just used MDF for shaker style insets of kitchen cabinet doors, and they painted very nice, primed and painted with Sherwin Williams Pro paint products.

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Re: MDF or Wood 3D cutting

Post by LittleGreyMan »

LittleGreyMan wrote:If I don't post them in the next days, feel free to PM me a harsh reminder :D
I finally won't be able to post them before one week.
Best regards

Didier

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