Engineering and fabrication

Does a beam saw leave any machining marks on material?

I am considering using a CNC beam saw to cut some MDF. I need to know if this type of machine would leave any saw marks on the cut surfaces of the material. Basically, I need to find a way of cutting a large sheet of MDF (30mm thinkness) into 12mm strips. But finding a way to do this without leaving tool marks of the material. I've considered abrasive waterjet and a CNC router but now someone has suggested that a CNC beam saw might be the answer. But it is very important that the material is cut very clean with no machining marks at all. Would a beam saw be ideal? Re: Answer given by mega H. Because of the way I want to use the material cutting 30mm strips from 12mm thickness mdf would not be possible. Also, I would need the cut surface of the MDF totally free of machining marks so that the grain of the MDF is extremely crisp and clear. I have tried sanding the MDF and that destroys the grain. If a drum sander was used would the finish be as clear and crisp as if the material was cut using say a router or even a abrasive waterjet?

Public Comments

1. It leaves circular saw marks, but it is minimal, beam saws do give a very neat cut, the scribe blade should be the exact same thickness, and so won't leave a lip.

   Wouldn't it be easier to cut 12mm MDF into 30mm strips, instead of the other way around? that way you would only have the circ saw marks on the edge.

   **you could always cut it 12.5 and then run it through a drum sander down to 12. That would at least leave a fine sanded finish.



2. The beam saw will leave tool marks. You will be better off cutting with the router using spiral bits. They will leave a clean surface.


3. A beam saw or a sliding table saw would do the job.