MDF is one of the most versatile and commonly used materials in woodworking. Likewise, a router is one of the most essential tools you can have in your arsenal. The question is, how do the two interact? In other words, can you use a router on MDF?

Yes, you can use a router on MDF. In fact, this is common practice when constructing jigs, templates, cabinetry, and many other woodworking projects. MDF is a great material to use with a router because it cuts cleanly and evenly, allowing for precise results.

That said, when working with MDF, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Let’s take a closer look.

5 Essential Tips For Routing MDF

If you’ve never used a router on MDF, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Not only is it easy to do, but the results are often better than you can achieve with solid wood.

Still, there are a few things you should know before getting started. Here are five essential tips for routing MDF:

1) Wear A Respirator And Safety Glasses

Of all the tips in this guide, this is the most important.

If you’re going to take a router to a piece of MDF, I implore you to wear glasses and a respirator–not just a mask; a respirator.

I can tell you from personal experience that MDF dust is not something you want to breath in.

Likewise, the fine dust can easily get in your eyes, causing all kinds of irritation. A good pair of safety glasses and a respirator will protect you from these problems.

Beyond that, I also recommend wearing long sleeves and pants whenever you’re routing MDF. While MDF is a fantastic material for building, it’s dust just doesn’t react well with humans.

Do your future self a favor and protect your lungs, eyes, and skin as much as possible.

2) Use A Sharp Bit

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning.

When working with any material, you want to make sure your router bits are sharp. This is especially important when working with MDF because the material tends to blunt bits quickly.

For best results, I recommend opting for a carbide bit. They stay sharp longer, and they’re more likely to give you clean results.

3) Hog Out As Much Material As Possible Before Routing

If you want to limit the amount of dust you produce, I recommend hogging out as much of the MDF you’re going to rout as possible before you ever reach for the router.

In other words, the more material you can remove using a jig saw, drill press, or scroll saw before you use a router on MDF, the better.

Not only will this save you time, but it will limit the amount of dust you have to deal with.

4) Use Straight-Edges And Templates Whenever Possible

To get the cleanest cuts possible, you want to use either a straight-edge guide or template whenever possible.

Not only will this help ensure that your cuts are precise, but it will also minimize the amount of tear-out.

If you have a router table, this is a great option as well. But if you don’t, no worries. You can still get great results by clamping a straight-edge to the MDF and routing along it.

5) Prepare For Lots Of Dust

Whenever possible, I recommend routing MDF outdoors. Or, if that isn’t an option, at least try to protect anything you don’t want to get covered in a fine layer of dust.

I can’t begin to tell you how much dust a router produces when it runs through MDF. And this dust I speak of isn’t the same kind of dust you get when routing regular wood. Honestly, it’s more like flour than saw dust.

So, unless you want your entire shop to be covered in “woodworking flour”, I recommend routing outdoors or taking some precautions to keep the dust contained.

Oh, and if you own a dust collector or shop vac of any kind, use it to your advantage.

Whether you hold the vacuum tube against the base while routing, fashion a dust shoe that attaches to your router base, or just ask your spouse to follow you with the shop vac while you route, the more dust you can catch in the process of routing, the better.

Is MDF Hard On Router Bits?

Yes, MDF tends to dull router bits quickly. To combat this problem, you should use carbide and/or spiral down cut bits whenever possible. Additionally, you should try to remove as much material as possible with other tools before using a router.

Ultimately, the less material you have to remove, the longer your router bits will last–especially when routing MDF

Can You Use A Router On The Edge Of MDF?

Yes, you can rout the edge of MDF. In fact, it’s Whether you’re going for a round-over, bevel, or ogee edge, just go slow and take small passes. You’ll be surprised how well MDF holds up to routing.

Do I Need A Special Router Bit For MDF?

No, you don’t need a special router bit for MDF. However, I recommend using carbide bits whenever possible because they stay sharp longer and are more likely to give you clean results.