Joining MDF on the flat

[James W. Feiler]

I would like to know if I can butt two pieces of MDF together using Kreg.  If so, how do I set it up?

[James Waller]

Hi James :)

You can use the Kreg to butt-join MDF, but you have to be careful cause the joints can easily tear cause of what MDF is made of.

You can do a search (box located top-right) on mdf and read discussions about this.

If you can try some scrap pieces and set your guide and drill bit according to the size of the mdf. You may need to make more pocket holes to make a good joint than you would for normal wood or plywood.

[R. E. Woods]

I use some MDF on a project. The problem I ran into was the "layers" separating when I drove in the screws. If you can devise some way to apply a clamp (or pressure) on the area receiving the screw, it should not separate as much. Drilling a pilot hole in the board without the pocket hole might also help.

[Ken Darga]

James,

End or edge joining MDF, with pocket hole screws, will produce unsatisfactory results.

''Bulging'' will occur, when the screws enter the MDF.

I'd suggest finding an alternate suitable joinery method, for end or edge joining MDF---

ex: biscuits, splines or loose tenon.

[Carlos]

one other note is: make sure to set the clutch on the drill to it's lowest setting.