Wood Router, Snapping Cutters

[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

[Tenson]

I just got some of the 1/8" (3mm) dia. single-flute cutters from toolstation for cutting 9mm birch ply. I'll let you know how it goes. http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p67412

Before these, I've been using 3mm 2-flute solid carbide. I've cut for hours on end with no problems. I've run 13000rpm and 2000mm/min and also 18000rpm and 4000mm/min. Both 4mm DOC. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5Pcs-3-175...item5422121974

However I wanted something with a thicker shank so I could extend it further out the collet for various reasons.

I've used spiral flutes but up-cutters leave a horrible finish on the top edge. Down-cutters make it difficult to leave a constant thickness skin on the bottom cut to maintain vacuum.

[gorbo]

I just got some of the 1/8" (3mm) dia. single-flute cutters from toolstation for cutting 9mm birch ply. I'll let you know how it goes. http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p67412

Before these, I've been using 3mm 2-flute solid carbide. I've cut for hours on end with no problems. I've run 13000rpm and 2000mm/min and also 18000rpm and 4000mm/min. Both 4mm DOC. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5Pcs-3-175...item5422121974

However I wanted something with a thicker shank so I could extend it further out the collet for various reasons.

I've used spiral flutes but up-cutters leave a horrible finish on the top edge. Down-cutters make it difficult to leave a constant thickness skin on the bottom cut to maintain vacuum.

I have brought some of those cutters too from Tool Station, see how long they last, I tend to use 3mm more than anything else

John