[Drools]

I plan on making a small 12x12x2 router from mostly MDF. I'm thinking about laminating .75 thickness pieces to .5 thickness pieces.
I have a larger Aluminum CNC which I can use to cut out the parts on and use alignment holes drilled into the MDF when I cut them, to help keep the parts aligned.
Should I just use normal wood glue to laminate the pieces together? Is there anything I should be watching for when laminating MDF?

Thanks

[MrWild]

I was looking at laminating with Formica the Walmart 10mm poster boards for a small one. The Formica is cheap if you buy broken pieces. A 6' piece is under $20 even if you buy new. A Formica/MDF sandwich should be light and stiff. If you get a chunk of the faux black granite you could brag you have a (faux) epoxy granite router.

[guerd87]

I'm thinking about laminating .75 thickness pieces to .5 thickness pieces

Wouldnt .75 be thicker then .5?

Not sure on your sizing, but anyhow. Using a good quality MDF glue will work great. We have a Yellow MDF specific glue here the I use, super strong.

Make sure you get even coverage and hold tightly. Sand the faces before glueing.

[Drools]

Just for weight reasons I'm using the .5 stuff instead of doubling up on the .75 stuff.
but... I tried sourcing 1/2 mdf today and it seems 5/8 is more common than 1/2.
The small size of the router I probably do not need to laminate to a thicker size but I just want to be sure.
Here is a dxf of what I'm thinking of.
http://www.carlsoncomputers.com/newrouter.zip

[ger21]

Glue two pieces of 5/8" together. A vacuum press would be the best way, but a lot of clamps would also work. Just use regular would glue, and clamp it up fast. And make sure it's flat.

I'd glue them together first, and cut the parts out of the 1-1/4" material.

[guerd87]

Good point Gerry, Definatly glue before cutting.

I have read that 2 x 1/2" pieces laminated together would actually be stronger and less likely to flex then a single 1" piece of timber, has anyone found this or tried testing it?

[CarveOne]

Glue two pieces of 5/8" together. A vacuum press would be the best way, but a lot of clamps would also work. Just use regular would glue, and clamp it up fast. And make sure it's flat.

I'd glue them together first, and cut the parts out of the 1-1/4" material.

I get pretty good results by stacking 4" solid concrete blocks on it. Two layers at times.

[Drools]

I planned to laminating the parts after they were cut out. But I did incorporate alignment holes so I should be ok.

[Drools]

This is the only bit that I have to cut out my designs.
http://www.freudtools.com/p-63-up-spiral.aspx
ger21, what speed and feed rate should I be using for best results?
I have a Porter Cable router with speed control, but my router is feed limited by the 1/2-10 single start screws.
Thanks for the help!

[ger21]

Start with 10,000 rpm and 150ipm. If you can go that fast.

[Drools]

no I'm able to go that fast, how about a speed for 60ipm.

[ger21]

I don't think you can go lower than 10K rpm, so just use that and cut at 60ipm.

[Drools]

You are probably correct 10k getting lower than 10k and maintain torque might be an issue. I have the CNC4PC speed control so I will give it a try.
Thanks for the help.