Easing MDF Edges
Sanding techniques and tool options for gently rounding over the edges of MDF door and drawer faces. July 5, 2006
Question
Is there a fast way to sand a round over edge on MDF? I have 30 door and drawer front edges to sand and it's pretty tedious so far!
Forum Responses
(Cabinetmaking Forum)
From contributor L:
Edge sander. Start on the edge and roll the panel on the round over. Hit it with a hand sanding to make sure it is still round. Practice on some scrap first.
From contributor K:
I would use a 1/16" or 1/8" round-over bit in a router to ease the edges. This will make them perfect. If you sand the round over, it is very difficult to make them even.
From contributor B:
Fine sanding sponge, prime, fine sanding sponge, prime, paint. Works well. Inside corners require more attention.
From contributor G:
I know this is a little too late, but if you had machined these parts with a PCD tool, they will allow for no sanding.
From contributor N:
What's a PCD tool and how does it cut and fill the MDF edge?
From contributor A:
PCD=Polycrystalline Diamond.
From contributor G:
Contributor A stated perfectly. It's a manmade diamond cutting edge. On MDF doors, tools will provide you with 8000+ cuts vs. 100-150 in carbide tooling. We (Courmatt) incorporate a variety of shear angles on some profiles, as customers do not want to sand.
From contributor E:
Don't have to sand a routed MDF profile before finishing? Tell me more...
From contributor N:
Is it cutting by abrasion?
From contributor G:
The PCD tools are brazed onto a steel shank, similar to a carbide tipped tool. We do have, on our web site, cost comparisons and how PCD are made. The firms we have sold our PCD tools to have advised us they do no sanding. A couple firms will do a light sand after a primary coat.
