Flush trimming tempered masonite with a router bit

**sam63** · 7th January 2005, 01:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have just glued a tempered masonite on top of a bench, and I'd like to trim it flush with the edges. I was thingking about using a flush trim bit. Can anyone tell me if it is OK to use router bits to cut tempered masonite since I do not know what it is made of besides pressed wood fibres and resin? If I can not, what are the alternatives?

Cheers
Sam

**AlexS** · 7th January 2005, 08:03 PM

You shouldn't have any problems trimming it with a router, but you should have effective dust protection - eg pressurised mask or vacuum extraction on the router. I'm not sure exactly what's in Masonite either, but it sure creates dust, and it's probably not nice.

**jacko** · 7th January 2005, 08:07 PM

d'accord! Creates a lot of dust and any dust under 30 X 3 micron is called carcinogenic by definition! However will machine clean and true.
Jacko

**sam63** · 10th January 2005, 01:02 PM

Hi AlexS & jacko,

Thanks for the reply. I did have a go during the weekend. You were right. I have never seen so much dust coming out my router before. Thanks for the warning!!

Cheers
sam

**alexg** · 11th January 2005, 10:02 AM

Hi all,

I too want to put a masonite top on my workbench however I've had trouble finding masonite in large dimensions. The 900X1200 underlay is easy enough to find but the best Iv'e been aple to find in the larger dimensions is 900X2400 brace board. The braceboard looks the same but is it? Is hardboard, braceboard, masonite, tempered masonite all the same thing?

Cheers
Alex.

**simon c** · 11th January 2005, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by alexg

Is hardboard, braceboard, masonite, tempered masonite all the same thing?

They're all similar, but not the same. Try this link for a list of the different products.

http://www.australianhardboards.com.au

Simon

**alexg** · 11th January 2005, 04:19 PM

Thanks Simon - excellent link, answered all my questions and then some!

Alex.

**soundman** · 12th January 2005, 12:07 AM

Tempered masonite is much harder than the normal stuff and is real hard on tools even carbide router bits.

But its great stuff.

**Deems36** · 29th August 2005, 10:53 PM

Dug up this 6 month old thread in hope that someone could put me onto a supplier in Sydney..

Cheers

**sam63** · 30th August 2005, 01:57 PM

Deems36

Bizmac doors in Botany sells tempered masonite. They only come in full sheets though.

Sam

**Deems36** · 30th August 2005, 04:33 PM

Thanks Sam,

Wasnt having much like with the list of suppliers provided by Australian Hardboards, will give Bizmac a ring.

Cheers

**Deems36** · 31st August 2005, 09:45 AM

Sam,

You dont perhaps have a number for bizmac doors?

I havent been able to turn up a listing for them with either white or yellow pages.

Cheers

**Mick C.** · 31st August 2005, 07:57 PM

I made some arch top door templates out of masonite underlay which i had surpluss, and it KILLED a new CMT flush trim bit in 2 mins, it was all over before i noticed that the bit was being erroded on the lead edge.

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