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tileart · 07-11-2007, 02:55 PM

I know this will probably make a lot of you guys roll your eyes, but can I route strips of MDF to paint and use for baseboards?
I have a couple of rental properties and it seems like every time I change tenants I end up replacing baseboards, door trim, etc. It's getting spendy! Just wondering if I would be able to cut strips of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF and route the top edges. I would be painting them plain white so perfect finish isn't that important.

**bobj3** · 07-11-2007, 03:03 PM

Hi tileart

You bet,,,, the router will do that job all day long,,,,you can do it with a hand router or a router table....

It's best to use a wide board and then just table saw the board to the size you need..

=========

Quote:

Originally Posted by tileart

I know this will probably make a lot of you guys roll your eyes, but can I route strips of MDF to paint and use for baseboards?
I have a couple of rental properties and it seems like every time I change tenants I end up replacing baseboards, door trim, etc. It's getting spendy! Just wondering if I would be able to cut strips of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF and route the top edges. I would be painting them plain white so perfect finish isn't that important.

BrianS · 07-11-2007, 03:04 PM

Yes, you can route MDF. It will take an edge shape, dadoe, or rabbit quite nicely. Not sure how it will stand up when used as baseboards and other trim, but you can let us know.

Brian

lablover · 07-11-2007, 03:15 PM

I bought some mdf base several years ago and it's still looking good.

I'd be interested to see the bits used for base

Joe

tileart · 07-11-2007, 03:27 PM

Perfect, Thanks!
As long as it lasts for the year that will be fine with me. I usually replace it about once a year anyway. This way should save a considerable amount of cash, though.

AxlMyk · 07-11-2007, 04:23 PM

MDF makes a ton of dust.. Be prepared for it..
Wear a respirator..

**bobj3** · 07-11-2007, 04:28 PM

HI Joe

I know you didn't ask to see the normal bit but here's one that I use from time to time...

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-PC-1-2-Shank-B...QQcmdZViewItem

and easy to used on the router table ...

=================

Quote:

Originally Posted by lablover

I bought some mdf base several years ago and it's still looking good.

I'd be interested to see the bits used for base

Joe

tileart · 07-11-2007, 04:33 PM

Hi Bob,

I know you weren't typing at me but, strangely enough, that is the exact bit I just bought last week for this purpose. I guess I did something correctly, huh?

Even bought it from the same seller so hopefully it'll last a while.
Thanks again for the info.

angus · 07-11-2007, 05:06 PM

Why do you want to spend time routing MDF for baseboards & trim? Go to most lumber yards or building supply companies ( excluding HD or the Lowes, I doubt if you would find any one that would know what I'm talking about ) I don't know where you live, but if there is a United Building Supply or Pro Built store they can help you.
They sell MDF base boards, and trim moulding in 14, 16 and random lengths. In Butte MT for example 16' Colonial base boards in MDF and primed is $8.45. To me time is money - the only thing I would gain is the satisisfaction that I made it, but I have better things to do with my time.
Angus

lablover · 07-11-2007, 05:23 PM

Thanks Bob

I'm ordering that bit you recomended. Got the same 30 pc set also from the same guy...I love it

Joe

07-11-2007, 02:55 PM	#1
tileart Registered User Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 14 View tileart's Gallery	Routing MDF? I know this will probably make a lot of you guys roll your eyes, but can I route strips of MDF to paint and use for baseboards? I have a couple of rental properties and it seems like every time I change tenants I end up replacing baseboards, door trim, etc. It's getting spendy! Just wondering if I would be able to cut strips of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF and route the top edges. I would be painting them plain white so perfect finish isn't that important. __________________ Roger TileArtCenter.com It's just a rock, what could go wrong?
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07-11-2007, 03:04 PM	#3
BrianS Registered User Forum Geek Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Windsor,Ontario Posts: 317 View BrianS's Gallery	Yes, you can route MDF. It will take an edge shape, dadoe, or rabbit quite nicely. Not sure how it will stand up when used as baseboards and other trim, but you can let us know. Brian __________________ A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!
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07-11-2007, 03:15 PM	#4
lablover Registered User Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 127 View lablover's Gallery	I bought some mdf base several years ago and it's still looking good. I'd be interested to see the bits used for base Joe
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07-11-2007, 03:27 PM	#5
tileart Registered User Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 14 View tileart's Gallery	Perfect, Thanks! As long as it lasts for the year that will be fine with me. I usually replace it about once a year anyway. This way should save a considerable amount of cash, though. __________________ Roger TileArtCenter.com It's just a rock, what could go wrong?
	Top - Reply with Quote

07-11-2007, 04:23 PM	#6
AxlMyk Registered User Forum King Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hartland, Mi. Posts: 856 View AxlMyk's Gallery	MDF makes a ton of dust.. Be prepared for it.. Wear a respirator.. __________________ Mike - Retired FoMoCo Tradesman My Gallery @ http://www.routerforums.com/axlmyks-stuff/
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07-11-2007, 04:33 PM	#8
tileart Registered User Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Posts: 14 View tileart's Gallery	Hi Bob, I know you weren't typing at me but, strangely enough, that is the exact bit I just bought last week for this purpose. I guess I did something correctly, huh? Even bought it from the same seller so hopefully it'll last a while. Thanks again for the info. __________________ Roger TileArtCenter.com It's just a rock, what could go wrong?
	Top - Reply with Quote

07-11-2007, 05:06 PM	#9
angus Registered User Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 72 View angus's Gallery	Why do you want to spend time routing MDF for baseboards & trim? Go to most lumber yards or building supply companies ( excluding HD or the Lowes, I doubt if you would find any one that would know what I'm talking about ) I don't know where you live, but if there is a United Building Supply or Pro Built store they can help you. They sell MDF base boards, and trim moulding in 14, 16 and random lengths. In Butte MT for example 16' Colonial base boards in MDF and primed is $8.45. To me time is money - the only thing I would gain is the satisisfaction that I made it, but I have better things to do with my time. Angus
	Top - Reply with Quote

07-11-2007, 05:23 PM	#10
lablover Registered User Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 127 View lablover's Gallery	Thanks Bob I'm ordering that bit you recomended. Got the same 30 pc set also from the same guy...I love it Joe
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