Hi,
I've mostly only built boxes on my BT3100, speaker cabinets, and such, usually to be veneered, so accurate cutting is important. I'm always working with 3/4" MDF for these, and wanted some outside input on my methods, which I'm not convinced are very efficient.
I start by ripping a 4'x4' sheet of MDF to slightly wider than I need, let's say I need a 20"x20" panel, I'll cut to 21". If I get a clean run on the fence, then I'll flip the piece and cut to 20", so now I have parallel sides at 20".
Next I'll put the miter table in and crosscut the end off the piece to get a square end, then flip the piece and put it back on the fence and cut to 20" again.
So basically I'm cutting a piece parallel, then using the mitre table to get a square end, then using that square end on the fence to complete the piece.
My question is that I end up either taking the entire mitre table on and off the saw a lot, or taking the mitre table fence on and off the saw a lot, and I'm sure this adds to more setup time and accuracy problems.
Any suggestions for improvement?
Also, my absolute worst thing is cutting large panels of MDF down to size and keeping them level on the table and tight to the fence. Any links to easily built jigs, etc., that can help with this? I've built a lot of projets, but consider my skills still very basic.
Thanks!
Wes Nance
Rochester, NY
BT3100 with 2 belts that broke last night. . .
I've mostly only built boxes on my BT3100, speaker cabinets, and such, usually to be veneered, so accurate cutting is important. I'm always working with 3/4" MDF for these, and wanted some outside input on my methods, which I'm not convinced are very efficient.
I start by ripping a 4'x4' sheet of MDF to slightly wider than I need, let's say I need a 20"x20" panel, I'll cut to 21". If I get a clean run on the fence, then I'll flip the piece and cut to 20", so now I have parallel sides at 20".
Next I'll put the miter table in and crosscut the end off the piece to get a square end, then flip the piece and put it back on the fence and cut to 20" again.
So basically I'm cutting a piece parallel, then using the mitre table to get a square end, then using that square end on the fence to complete the piece.
My question is that I end up either taking the entire mitre table on and off the saw a lot, or taking the mitre table fence on and off the saw a lot, and I'm sure this adds to more setup time and accuracy problems.
Any suggestions for improvement?
Also, my absolute worst thing is cutting large panels of MDF down to size and keeping them level on the table and tight to the fence. Any links to easily built jigs, etc., that can help with this? I've built a lot of projets, but consider my skills still very basic.
Thanks!
Wes Nance
Rochester, NY
BT3100 with 2 belts that broke last night. . .
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