macg

Well it's no wonder I have a shop filled with tools, went out to get a low cost trim and came home with a Freud FT2200E 3 1/4 hp I geuss I will have to find more use's for a table router now, well my simple project is getting me more fun stuff, I have already cut 3 of the nine grooves I need, I am building a CNC made from MDF http://www.rockcliffmachine.com does anyone have any tips on sealing or painting MDF ?

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challagan

For sealing MDF I have used satin poly unless you want it real slick and shiny. But poly will seal it well pretty well.

Corey

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Joe Lyddon

I was thinking that shellac would work... (never have put shellac on MDF)... ??

How close are you from having the machine done?
How do you connect it to a PC? USB? RS232?
What software are you using & controller... Cost?

You could do the same thing as that Carveright machine... Well, almost...

Looks like a super COOL project!!

I looked at that CNC site you gave... That is just Awesome how you can make that machine!! I don't believe the total cost that they said though... probably a lot more.

I looked at their Concrete Molds too... would take a long time to make enough pavers for a driveway!! I wonder how long it takes to cure one set of blocks? (at least a day?)... Interesting... to look at... and dream a little...

Can you show us your progress so far?

Thank you.

macg

Thanks Corey
I knew that asking professional woodworkers would be the best, the polyurathane sounds like a way better choice, I am not going for looks on this machine just pure function, when I tried to spray paint the mdf it kept soaking it in like a sponge. I will pick up some poly on Mon. and give it a go.
Thanks again for all the help, I am totally back on track with this project
Mac

Mike

Mac, the universal best sealer before applying any finish is shellac. It will stick to just about anything, the going joke is it sticks to peanut butter. You may be familiar with a brand of white pigmented shellac; it is called Kilz. This is the product I would use since you will most likely want to apply a color finish. This is your unique opportunity to choose your own special color for tools that you build. We all know Makita Green, DeWalt Yellow, Freud Red... Perhaps Mac Tartan?

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harrysin

Hi Macg, like Corey, I use satin poly. but I thin it with turps. it soaks in better and is much easier to apply. Harry

macg

this is my second machine, the original one got destroyed, about two weeks ago, ( the machine un-sealed mdf was left too close to an open garage door, and got rained on , when I returned home about 6 hours later well .....all I can say is Un-sealed MDF + Water = Scrap ) A freind cut the bearing grooves, with a dado blade on the first machine and I did not want to bug him again, So with my new freinds here at routerforums and a new table router I will have nice half round grooves to fit the bearings perfect, sealed mdf and made by me, I use Xylotex motors and controller $475 and Mach3 control software (still using the free demo) the cnc controllers use the computer printer port . if you look at their link page look at cnczone you will see many that have made one, bearings. guide rods, 3/4" mdf cost me around $75 their cost estimate is very close, my controller was the more expensive model, there are some at half the price, but require assembly, it rained here a couple of weeks ago, and this week it's freezing cold and snowing !
so any outdoor projects are not on my to do list, but yes cement usually takes about a day to set.

macg

Thanks Guys for all the replys , I will give both sealers a try
it sounds like a personal choice everyone has their own way, and no mater what I use it's got to be better than not sealing the mdf at all.
Thanks again Mac

jerrymayfield

That quote about shellac sounds familar. I certainly agree that it is almost a universal sealer.

Regards

Jerry

Mike

Yes Jerry, I agree with you and your postings on using shellac as a sealer. Our opinions differ when it comes to the finish. There are many quality products for different types of end results and I choose to not limit myself. I wish you would take a more active part in the forums. I learned a great deal from you.

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