Wood Router, Snapping Cutters

[Robin Hewitt]

You would think it was inability to clear swarf, but that is not really a possibility in 3mm ply.

Next favourite is a build up of gunge that dulls the edge so it stops cutting and starts bending.

Perhaps it is the material. Is the glue in the plywood transferring to the cutting edges?

[Boyan Silyavski]

Hey Matt,

Try the classical 16000rpm feed 60IPM 1 diameter cut depth. 17000rpm for harder wood. Thats a speed feed depth combo that must work on any machine even a crappy one. Works even on chattering machine and i use the similar cutters until they stop cutting at all.


Its spinning on the right or correct direction?

Do you climb cut or conventional? I climb cut natural and conventional cut man made wood.

[Clive S]

Boyan In post one the op has said it is cutting in the correct direction. If the feed rate is too low that could gum the cutter up

[Boyan Silyavski]

Boyan In post one the op has said it is cutting in the correct direction. If the feed rate is too low that could gum the cutter up

The rate i suggest will not clog the cutter, rest assured Clive. I am cutting same on flimsy machine all day long for 2-3 days until i waste a cutter. He is not cutting with 200$ cutters, big spindle and perfect hold down to go industrial fast like 400IPM. I am just suggesting to try that and see if that still happens.

[routercnc]

I was cutting a load of 25mm MDF a while ago with a 6mm cutter like the one in the first post. About £3-£4 I think on eBay. I broke one about every hour or so until I swapped to an 8mm cutter and had no problems. The 6mm bits have that tapered section and this is exactly where they broke. The 8mm bits don't have that and the main body is straight with the cutting bits sticking out welded to the sides. Without that stress raiser that seems to make them more durable and with the thicker body they probably vibrate less. Worked for me . . .

[mike os]

what does it sound like when it cuts? i am wondering of your feed & speed are causing resonance in the cutter

[gorbo]

I use these cutters in Ply, hardwood and MDF, yes I have had some break ( I use 3mm single flute), but I found they cut better and broke less at a higher pass speed and lower RPM, I found at a low pass speed they over heated and snapped clean off, just a thought