tool for cutting 38cm squares ?

[hamster88]

Hi guys I have some mdf that I need cutting into identical 38cm squares, should I use a table saw ? I have seen some but the guide only seems to allow about 20cm widths. any ideas ? thanks.

 

[Zeddedhed]

Any decent table saw will allow you to cut a 38mm rip.
Once you've got as many as you need then set up a stop on a mitre saw and cut away.

 

[hamster88]

Any decent table saw will allow you to cut a 38mm rip.
Once you've got as many as you need then set up a stop on a mitre saw and cut away.

Hi thanks for replying, but I need 38 CM square sheets.

 

[SteveF]

how many squares?
how big is your mitre saw?

you could cut the strips and then squares by using a stop on your mitre saw

u only need one straight edge

Steve

 

[Zeddedhed]

And I need glasses....

Although having said that .....

Any decent table saw will allow you to cut a 380mm rip.
Mitre saw bit will probably not be possible unless you have one with a seriously large crosscut capacity.
If you have an MFT3 and a Festool tracksaw then you're laughing.
If not then maybe crosscut on the TS using a sled (providing you have enough room in front of the blade)

 

[hamster88]

Hi I dont have a table saw or a mitre saw, thats why I need you guys to recommend me a tool to buy.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb554tas-250mm-table-saw-230-240v/15766

would that do it ? I was thinking cutting the pieces roughly into 39cm width strips with my circular saw. than cut to 38 cm long strips on the table saw , than split that into the 38cm squares.

 

[Graham Orm]

welcome to the forum

A hand held circular saw with a guide would be the cheapest way. If you're buying a hand held you may as well go for a track saw. I have a trade Dewalt table saw but I don't remember if it will cut as wide as 380mm.

Here's a track saw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcfiKe1PkXU

Here's a home made version with an ordinary circular saw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thddTmC6nr4 Skip to 2 min 40 to skip a load of waffle

I use this for work, it's superb. http://www.screwfix.com/p/scheppach-pl4 ... oCAqvw_wcB


EDIT: OK Just been for a look. This is my table saw http://www.my-tool-shed.co.uk/p25471/De ... oCRNvw_wcB
Maximum cut width is 420mm (42cm).

If you're cutting sheet material that wide and you are a newbie to table saws you MUST look up 'kick back'. What causes it and how to avoid it. It's a very serious danger when using a table saw, particularly with wide sheet goods.

The Titan saw is a cheap entry level machine made from pressed steel. It won't be accurate.

 

[SteveF]

if it a one off and just sheet materials then

get 2 cuts free and pay 50p for additional cuts

8 x 4 would give u 18 squares

so £7 extra a board

take a lot of boards before u bought the tools u may never need

Steve

 

[Mark A]

If you already own a circular saw then if I were you I'd just make a simple guide for it and use that to cut your squares.

My first circular saw was a cheap Skil from B&Q and with a guide it was plenty accurate for what I needed.

 

[blackrodd]

Hello Hamster 88 and welcome.
MDF, Is not the stuff to be cutting without an extractor system as the dust is really bad for you're health.
Homebase and the like will cut accurately and safely for you on their board cutting service without the hassle of buying loads of machinery, just load in in you're car.
Alternatively, The least you will need is one of these, but longer and cheaper on fleabay,--http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/181751738153?lpid=82
And a saw like the one in the pic, and a good dust mask from 3m, (Don't skimp on this item) and cut outside, you can't be too safe with this stuff!
HTH Regards Rodders

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/181751738153?lpid=82

 

[shed9]

Most DIY outlets (B&Q, Homebase, Wickes, etc) won't cut MDF anymore, some will but the majority will refuse to do it because of the health risks. Ask before you load up your trolley if you go down this route.

As others have said, if this is a one off get the supplier to do it. It will probably be more accurate and cheaper.

If this is a long term thing, I would personally avoid the Titan range from Screwfix, it's cheap for a reason. Get the best you can afford as buying cheap usually costs twice as much in my opinion.

 

[AndyT]

If you already have the mdf then the simplest cheapest way to cut it into squares is to use a hard point hand saw costing £6 to £8.00.
Wear a dust mask and work outside. The health risks of a one off diy job are negligible compared to someone working in a furniture factory.

You will need to learn to use the saw accurately and safely but you would need to do that even if you spent hundreds of pounds on a machine tool.

As suggested, the easiest way is to get someone else to cut it for you.