Cool MDF Panels

[ger21]

We're doing a job at work that uses these MDF wall panels. http://www.interlam-design.com/index...D=1&clientID=1

@ $10 Sq. Ft., I thought I'd see how tuff it would be to make them myself. Here's a small sample. G-code created with AutoCAD and the macro I wrote.

[mxtras]

NEAT!

I can't imagine how you would explain to the guy who walks up and asks "Whacha cuttin?"

Can you post pics of the installed panel when the time comes?

Scott

[spalm]

Amazing!!

I did not ever think you could route 3D in MDF. That must have created a lot of saw dust.

Steve

[mxtras]

Many years ago I was involved in routing about a bazillion shutters for Pizza Hut from 1" MDF. Long story short - this was at a machine tool manufacturer, not a wood shop (we were building their router). The machine was set up with multiple spindles making as many as 4 shutters at once. The volume of dust/chips was absolutely rediculous! I filled a small dumpster with MDF dust every day for about 6 weeks. It was almost fun, actually...I was usually covered with carbide and HSS laden coolant as I was grinding tools at the time.

I guess you guys know the dust MDF can create. It sounded like a good contribution at first. Sorry.......carry on.



Scott

[ger21]

Originally Posted by spalm That must have created a lot of saw dust. Steve

Our router has a 10HP dust collector on it, and there is a ~3" long brush surrounding the tool and making a seal to the surface. I never saw any dust, although I'm sure there was a lot. I still have to do 8 4x10 panels.

Scott, I doubt I'll have any pictures, but maybe. I rarely see the finished product.

[buscht]

Gerry, I wasn't familar with Interlam Design, but I know of another company that imports these from Europe. We tried to buy one panel and found out that the cost was going to be over $900 after shipping, tariffs, etc. We decided to cut the panel ourselves just like you did. It came out very nice.
Anyway, Interlam Design saw the finished product and had a fit. They claim that they have a copyright on that pattern and sent us a "cease and desist" letter from their lawyer.
FYI
So I came up with our own design.

[strat]

kinda neat idea i have seen some sound proofing stuff that was small wood rectangles of different hieghts glued together but this has opened some thoughts and instead of like $150 - $200 for about a 4x4 area might be able to do a 4 x 8 for about 1/4 of the price thats the great thing on this site always flows of ppls ideas

[DieGuy]

Originally Posted by ger21 We're doing a job at work that uses these MDF wall panels. http://www.interlam-design.com/index...D=1&clientID=1 @ $10 Sq. Ft., I thought I'd see how tuff it would be to make them myself. Here's a small sample. G-code created with AutoCAD and the macro I wrote.

How thick was the original Gerry, and how deep are the waves?

[ger21]

3/4" MDF, cutting between 1/8" to 1/2" deep. Used a 1" diameter tool.

[JavaDog]

Neat stuff!!

Now, the big question, how long does it take to cut something that complex??

[ger21]

Originally Posted by JavaDog Neat stuff!! Now, the big question, how long does it take to cut something that complex??

It's a lot faster than you think. It's just a series of splines that move along the X axis, with only the Z axis moving, not the Y. The problem, I've found, is that our machine can't read the code as fast as it's moving. (300ipm). I'll have to cut at about 150ipm, or the machine will pause every few inches.

[TimKoene]

Wow that is very nice
How does one make such nice waves in autocad? I bet this would look good on a nicely grained piece of wood with some nice staining. Sort of random wavy line drawing.

Great job!