Sanding edges of Mdf

jonnycc · Post by **jonnycc** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:22 pm

Hi guys
I need to remove an existing finish from some MDF and valchromat. I Have been sanding back the faces with 80grit on my orrbital sander. However I’m reluctant to use this on the edges as I don’t want to round over them and one slip of the hand risks ruining a whole panel. I could use a block, but given how much material I need to remove and the amount I have to do this is just not practical. Any ideas what I could use to achieve this? Is my best bet purchasing a block plane? I am also thinking I could try and router off a fraction of each edge, but again, setting this up on 40+ edges could take a while!
Many thanks
Jo

arco_iris · Post by **arco_iris** » Mon Sep 27, 2021 9:44 pm

As you say, sanding MDF in any manual form is going to risk rounding the edges, a router has got to be the only way to go, IMHO. Even then, you've got to be extremely careful to remove only the finish without diminishing the dimensions of the board.

Valchromat is pricey stuff, who on earth put a finish on it......... unless only oil or varnish, in which case, why do you need to take it off. At least it's easy to machine, due to the properties of the material.

:dunno:

jonnycc · Post by **jonnycc** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:12 am

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.
To answer your question, it’s been finished with Rubio monocoat, but the finish began to fade very quickly maybe as it’s a high traffic area (kitchen door fronts). When I tried applying an extra coat or a light sanding the results were extremely patchy, so the only choice I’ve got left is to sand off the old oil.

Re the router - as I’m far from a routing pro, any tips on the best way to do this quickly and accurately?

Is a block plane not worth a go?
Thanks again
J

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 7:40 am

I would try a Surform, It is a bit like a cheese grater. It is less aggressive than a plane and more controllable for what you intend. Get the longer one, they are cheap.

DWD

jonnycc · Post by **jonnycc** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 8:24 am

Thanks for the suggestion. Any particular brand you’d recommend or are they all much of a muchness?
Cheers
Jonny

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 8:33 am

I think they are, the original was made by Stanley. I have a long and short one that get pulled out every so often, they must be 40 years old now and still cut well. You can get the longer one for £20 at Screwfix but you can get copies cheaper. They also do finer blades I think? If you plane straight they are minimal shave but turning the tool to an angle it becomes more aggresive.

DWD

oz0707 · Post by **oz0707** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 6:47 pm

Power plane set to just above zero surely the best bet here? Weight on back bed as coming off the end to avoid dipping in