cutting circles

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

is it ok to make a full cut right through the mdf right away with a router or make small cuts at a time?

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[revrider1 5,000+ posts]

i use a jigsaw, just steady. I do make more than one cut though

 

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

i mean go all the way around but do you want to take out like 1/4" at a time or is it alright to do the full 3/4" right away

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Do multiple passes.

Doing it all at once is a good way to toast bits.

 

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

thanks

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

I usually do 3/4 MDF in either 2 or 3 passes...normally 3.

 

[BrianChia 10+ year member]

I'll say 3 passes for 3/4" MDF. I've snapped bits trying to do it in 2.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

1/4" at a time is how I do it as MDF is pretty hard on bits...

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

Awww.... the joys of using Trupan. 2 passes works well for me. But, seriously, the more passes the better. Not only is it bad on your bits, but its bad on your router as well.

 

[Pl8er 5,000+ posts]

Can you guys explain passes? I have a feeling I've been cutting my holes incorrectly. *shoots himself in the face*

Wait, I think there is more than one thing here. If talking about a router, that is what I do too. But if talking about a jigsaw, are there passes?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Using your plunge router, you simply lower it a little more every pass, until you've gone through the material...

 

[bjfish11 5,000+ posts]

Yea, you cant make passes with a jig saw. I think most of the people here were talking about using a router.

 

[bigmandengo 10+ year member]

yea i was refferring to a router

 

[Abel 10+ year member]

Roto Zip with home made circle Jig FTW!

 

[brokeitagain 10+ year member]

i usually go 4 passes with a 1/4'' spiral bit seems to not make the router scream so much.And im hoping for a little longer life out of the bit