MDF on a lathe?

[masterp2]

Anybody tried turning a glueup of MDF? Any particular challenges or tips?

[pne123]

My advice is don't do it. I tried trueing up an MDF disc I was making into a sanding disc once. It was a very messy process in terms of the amount of dust. the stuff doesn't seem to cut cleanly anyway, no matter how sharp the tools are. Theres also the fact the dust is pretty toxic - the end product wouldn't be worth the risk of breathing in the dust particles.

but with that said, this guy seemed not to have many problems

http://vincent.brient.free.fr/round_horns.htm

[michael]

you have never turned such a beautiful substance until y have turned MDF.
it turns up very nicely, the tools cut through like butter, there are no problems turning it.

[Bull]

To toxic problems with MDF is easily overcome by doing the work outside and wearing a dust mask or inside and wear a gas mask.

[masterp2]

How small is the dust, ie for filter requirements? Tuffer question.

[Christof]

Use a respirator rated at P100 not P95. Watch out when you run your tool from mdf to the glue joint. Other than quickly dulling your tool edge it's nice to work on the lathe. P100 half mask by 3M could save you a $100K lung operation 30 years from now. Nobody really know long term about MDF.

[michael]

best thng to do is wear a 10cent dust mask and some safety glasses, then have a friend holding a vacuum cleaner where the dust is being shot out. this is if you dont have dust extraction.

[masterp2]

I have dust extraction, with 5 micron bags. Is that enough?

And a cheap dust mask has no seal, but I have a powervisor, just don't know if there is a suitable filter for it to work effectively against MDF dust.

[michael]

MDF dust is thin but no thinner than sand or maybe dust which just a hankercheif over your mouth will stop.

[masterp2]

Thanks Michael.