Router problem?

[gchrist]

I am using my router to make two holes for the tweeter and woofer speakers in the fron t baffle. I am using a self made circular jig for the circular cut-outs. When cutting into the wood (MDF or birch) smoke is generated. This seems not to affect the cutting proccess but it is very disturbing for other reasons (eyes are sore, throat sandy, clothes stink). Is this normal? What can I do.

George

[CharleyW]

Don't try to do it all in one pass. Cut no more than 1/4" with each pass.

[purplepeople]

The bit could be dull or your are running at the wrong RPM.

:)ensen.

[Vikash]

I find that MDF burns easily when routing it, but I don't usally worry about it as long as the cut is ok.

very disturbing for other reasons (eyes are sore, throat sandy, clothes stink). Is this normal? What can I do.

MDF dust and fumes can be quite nasty to the human body, so make sure you're using the appropriate protection: googles and dustmask.

I haven't looked at it in a while, but maybe the MDF FAQ mentions routing...

[gchrist]

From my experience the RPM does not play any role. Only the force applied to the cut is the dominant factor. The harder you press the more smoke you get. I try to press as little as possible and cut as less as possible with every turn.

Thank you all for your replies.

George

[Variac]

By now your bit is certainly dull if you have been heating it to smoking. Get a new bit (preferably carbide cutting edges) and take small cuts.

[Centauri]

Don't be tempted to buy a cheap router bit - these things blunten and run hot very easily, especially on MDF.

Cheers

[Volenti]

What they said^

Your feed speed may also be a little slow, I use a carbide edge bit and it cuts cleanly unless I slow down or pause, then it starts to burn the mdf. Also I wouldn't use anything under a 3/8'' wide bit when cutting out holes, narrower ones fill and clog with dust too easily.

[mwmkravchenko]

If you are trying to cut MDF with anything other than a carbide router bit you are on the way to creating alot of smoke. Your tooling must be sharp and your cut a feed rate moderate. Listen to your router to get to know how much you can cut in one pass. I use a monster three horse power for hole cutting with a 1/4" (6mm) bit and I still make three or four passes through 1 inch finnish birch ply, or 1" MDF. Invest in a good quality router bit.

Mark

[mltaunt]

You could try using a bit with a spiral shape. The spiral lifts the chips out of the kerf, keeping it cleaner and cooler. They were originaly designed for mortise and tenon joints, but should work well anywhere a deep narrow cut is needed.

Personally I use a Roto Zip to cut holes, but it's a personall preference