Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I tried a hobby knife but that didnt work out so well.

I think you need to use a jigsaw or other power tool.

Yeah, that's going to require a tool of some sort, possibly a dremel at the very least.

With a laser!

It's wood, use a saw. Jigsaw is likely best, but bandsaw, coping saw, table saw, keyhole saw, any of those will work.

I use a scrollsaw for shaping smaller pieces of mdf.

A jigsaw to make the larger pieces INTO smaller pieces.

Other people use lasers (with or without the freakin' sharks and the head mountings) because it's more high-techy or something (they just like the smell of burned formaldehyde, methinks).

A jigsaw is the way to go. You can use about anything, but a jigsaw really is best.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm assuming that as you don't know how to cut MDF you probably don't have many saws lying around ?

A big toothed saw will wreck the finish on the MDF, you want something with smaller teeth and a thin blade, depending on how much you need to cut a small hobby saw like xacto or similar make, or a cheap metal cutting hacksaw blade should do the trick.

Generally, when I get mdf I get it cut to size at the lumber shop I buy it from, the saw there makes an excellent job.

And dont forget, wear a face mask, MDF dust is horrible fine stuff you really dont want to breathe in.

Thanks for the replies all, so what if it is precut but not all the way, how would you guys handle that?

[Ignore me, I'm talking out of my rear end... ]

How small is that piece? You may be able to twist the circles out by pushing down on one side that has been cut. If the laser hasnt cut all the way throught you can try finishing the cuts with a craft knife.

Yeah, it looks way too thick for any sort of knife or to punch or twist out. A jig saw can be bought fairly cheap at a discount freight tool store. Use a scrolling blade (really thin) so that you can turn tighter corners.

Or, if you have limited funds and an aversion to power tools, you can also find a small hacksaw blade that you can insert into the slot and finish the cut. You can find a handle that will fit a hacksaw blade just on the one end, so it will go right into the slot.

http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/post-multisaw.jpg

Alternatively, jeweller's saw. You'll be able to insert it into the pre cut slots, very thin blade, capable of cutting very tight corners.
Also works wonders on metal and plastic, and very cheap. You can get a handle for ~$10 AUD, and buy blades by the hundred for a couple of bucks.

Looks like 1/4" thick

im not sure what part you are trying to keep or cut but a coping saw would do it

thread the blade through the hole on the side if you want the circles

or drill a hole ino the circle and thread the blade in

then set it up and get sawing.



they are fairly cheap. and hella useful.

Agreed, coping saws are very useful. Whatever saw blade you choose you ought to practise on some scrap first so you don't get wandering blade syndrome.