[davidsutton]

anyone got any ideas on feed rates for cutting 1/2 inch or 1/3 inch thick mdf?

I am doing some toolpath calculations to work out cutting time for some jobs cutting mdf - has anyone any idea about optimum feedrates for cutting 1/2inch to 1.3inch mdf? whether my cnc machine is man enough to handle it or not is another question.....the plan would be to design it around these suggested values.
best regs

[ger21]

Depends on spindle power and tooling used, but usually as fast as you can cut.

[speedofsound]

I cut MDF on my CNC (Milltronics MB-18) fairly regularly in my shop. As said above, you can run through it at pretty much whatever speed you're comfortable with.

MDF will give you a fairly clear visual cue if you're going too fast. It will appear to be "pushed" out of the way of the cutter, no longer being cleanly cut. I usuallly find this point (dependent upon my tooling choice for the job), and back off from it slightly.

Hope this helps!

-Alan