Wood Router, Snapping Cutters

[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

[Tenson]

Got some cutting on them today. I was about to post that they are working well and then SNAP!

I got about 2 hours continuous use on it. Birch ply @ 4.5mm DOC. Partly 2000mm/min at 16K RPM. Partly 4000mm/min at 20K RPM. Broke on a 4000mm/min 4.5mm DOC pass. Perhaps I'm asking too much of the little thing.

It worked well right to it's last breath. Cheap as chips so not too annoyed.

https://goo.gl/photos/KEqAuwNygLijbgoH7

https://goo.gl/photos/QNcDwZJaf82N3Lfm9

[Jonathan]

Got some cutting on them today. I was about to post that they are working well and then SNAP!

I got about 2 hours continuous use on it.

I tried those a few years ago and they lasted both minutes ... so I guess you did better than me. The larger ones are not so bad though.

Personally I'd recommend single flute carbide cutters from aliexpress/eBay. The price is similar, they have more room for the chips and are stronger as purely carbide.

[Tenson]

I note however, that the red paint rubs off which means it is rubbing on the wood. This part of the cutter should be slightly under-sized so only the blade comes in contact with the wood. Perhaps this causes the heating and breakage? Maybe I'll sand it off first and see how long it lasts.

[gorbo]

I note however, that the red paint rubs off which means it is rubbing on the wood. This part of the cutter should be slightly under-sized so only the blade comes in contact with the wood. Perhaps this causes the heating and breakage? Maybe I'll sand it off first and see how long it lasts.

I would lower the DOC to 2mm and try again, you can`t expect top notch cutting from a cheap bit

[Tenson]

You are probably right but the job will take longer so I'll just throw cutters at it when they cost almost £1 each.

[Tenson]

To be fair GWizard suggests a DOC @ 2mm with 4000mm/min and 20K RPM.