pocketing flat panel MDF doors
2/7/18
I'm making 1 piece MDF doors and haven't been able to achieve a surface finish on the panel that is comparable to the doors I used to outsource. MDF is same grade as my supplier was using ( plum Creek ) I am using a 1.75" diamond pocketing tool designed for this operation and running it at 15,000 RPM 10 m/ min. depth of pocket is 9 mm, done in 2 passes. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks
2/7/18 #2: pocketing flat panel MDF doors ...
Are you sure they don't sand them?
I use a 2" bit, 12K RPM, 350 IPM 2 passes, one deep and the second one 0.030 deep.
Still need to sand.
2/7/18 #3: pocketing flat panel MDF doors ...
good point, I guess that is a possibility. Another issue I have is getting the corner clean out tool (.125 downshear) depth to match with the main pocketing tool depth. In one corner it will be a few thou high and in the other it will be too deep, so I don't think its a matter of incorrect tool length programmed into the machine. Do you run into this issue ?
2/7/18 #4: pocketing flat panel MDF doors ...
Yeah, that happens too.
Less so with melamine backed MDF. I suspect it's vacuum related. If not enough the material can lift or bow once the pocket is cut.
2/22/18 #6: pocketing flat panel MDF doors ...
Website: http://www.biesseamerica.com
Chris,
Check this out.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nm04vyd85g7okty/Opera%20R%203D%20Scanner.mp4?dl=0
The Viet Opera R from Biesse introduces a highly efficient solution achieving consistent results for MDF door prep for finishing or Thermofoil.
View larger image
Viet Opera R
6/17/18 #7: pocketing flat panel MDF doors ...
I learned to cut around the outside of my doors leaving a skin as my first step. I then do all my other operations. Doing my cuts this way relieves any tension in the sheet that tends to lift corners and cause inconsistent depth results in the corners.
I also offset the initial cutout by .010 so I get a better edge finish on my doors.