"Even-out" joints/edges/lips on mdf box

[@if]

As you've probably guessed by the subject heading - I'm a noob!

I'm in the process of making a subwoofer out of 25mm mdf. Most of the carcass is ready, however the sides have not all joined up as evenly as I had hoped. This means I have some slight lips/overlaps.

I will be veneering the box so need to get it all evened up. I don't have a sander (could get one if needed), have 18grit sandpaper and a router with two straight bits and an ovolo.

My question is - can I use a combination of the router(?!) and sandpaper to get even joints, or will I need a sander? The overlaps/lips are a couple of mills at most.

 

[carlb40]

Couple of ways around this.
First if you have a trimming bit such as this or similar
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-fl ... rod803281/
You can get all the edges flush is seconds, then a light sanding.

2nd You can sand till everything is flush.

3rd If you want to keep the sides looking straight? Maybe veneer up to the overlap and back an inch or so depending how noticeable it looks? Then sand the veneer edges so it tapers. Then veneer the whole lot?

 

[gwr]

Hi @lf I'm no cabinet maker but is your straight cutters the profile type ? That's the type with a bearing at the bottom of the cutter, if so you could use them. If you just want to use the sandpaper use a flat block to wrap the paper on.
My choice would be a hand plane but not sure if you have one.

 

[@if]

Thank for the suggestions. The cutter (TS1418.5M) is without any bearings (judging by the pic, I'll check at home later).

I can see how the trimming bit will help where two pieces meet and there is a straight for lip to trimm off - but I also some a little issue where the side panel joins up with the bottom panel and back panel. I'll try and take some pics later to help show this. Although it just may be down to my lack of understanding of what the trimming bit can do.

I'm not overly concerned about it looking straight, but more that it is flat so I can veneer on to it.

With regards to sanding - how hard is mdf to sand? Would it be worth while getting a cheapo (£50) sander to do it, or just some elbow grease?

 

[carlb40]

If you upload the pics first we can go from there.

However another thought i had this morning was about the veneering. You want to round over the edges and then veneer the whole lot? Round over edges will be a tight radius, so i may be mistaken but it might not be easy without some form of bag press for veneering. You may have to start a thread just for the veneering part.

 

[@if]

I'll do it tonight, but I've uploaded one from a popular forum. Mine isn't as pronounced as the pic - but it looks like the trimming bit is the way to go

I'd like to keep all the edges straight so the veneering is a little easier.

 

[@if]

I've viewed some video's on youtube and can't figure out where the bearing would sit to bring the lips level with the back piece.

*edit* just saw the steve maxwell video and I think I now understand. Will order now

 

[JakeS]

I've viewed some video's on youtube and can't figure out where the bearing would sit to bring the lips level with the back piece.

You need a bit with a bearing at the bottom, the furthest away from the router.

You run the baseplate of the router flat against one of the sides - the far faces facing away from us in the picture you posted - with the cutter overhanging 'towards' us in that picture. The bearing then runs along the back panel itself while the cutters trim the overhanging sides to match.

 

[@if]

Thank you

 

[clivethecarpenter]

I would sand the edges up with a random orbit sander , starting with a 80 grit and working your way up through to a 240 / 320 grit
If your a noob then routing the edges off could be more trouble than its worth

Hope this helps

 

[@if]

Just to update - I used a combination of edge trimming (which was easier than I thought) and sanding. The end result was acceptable

 

[custard]

Well done! Has this given you the appetite to move onto another project or will you be hanging up your tools now and enjoying your music?

 

[@if]

We've just had an offer accepted on our first house and although it is good enough to move in, I intend to do as much as I can once we do from drawers/cupboards and working my way to a kitchen! (I told my mum and she laughed at me ) There is a decent sized brick-build shed with power that I can use as my workshop....just hope everything does to plan!

I've ordered a couple of books of Amazon on cabinet/kitchen making and now need to get my tool list sorted - although initially I need to get general diy out of the way such as sanding down floors, new skirting boards, maybe re-size bathroom and fit new bathroom.

p.s. the sub is for movies, I gave it a light-run last weekend and was quite pleased. My next test drive will be in two weekes time as I'm away - but I will have to warn my neighbours about that one

 

[@if]

I've posted a pic of it here: fixing-an-oversized-hole-in-mdf-t69593.html