How to Cut MDF Boards With a Table Saw

Fit a carbide blade onto your table saw if it doesn't already have one. These blades have teeth coated with abrasive carbide grit, and will cut MDF readily. Standard steel blades, by contrast, will be dulled quickly by MDF. A 10-inch diameter combination table saw blade with 50 teeth will work for shop use. For better cuts, you could use a 60-tooth blade with a 15-degree alternate top bevel and a five-degree side clearance. The best cuts will come from an 80-tooth blade with a 15-degree alternate top bevel and seven degrees of side clearance.

Put on safety glasses and at least a dust mask. A respirator is better, as MDF releases very large amounts of dust when cut. Some MDF products are made with formaldehyde-based resin, which can cause health issues in those with allergies or sensitivities to formaldehyde. In such cases, protective gear is especially important.

Mark your cut on the piece of MDF using a pencil.

Turn on your table saw and wait for the blade to spin up to full speed.

Set the piece of MDF down on the table saw bed and grip it firmly on either side of the cut mark.

Slide the MDF across the saw bed until the blade makes contact with it at the marked spot. Push firmly until it cuts all the way through, catching the two pieces as they come apart.

Turn off the saw and clean up the dust created by the cut using a shop vac.