OF1010 Router plunge depth question

[Crazyraceguy]

I've got a couple of those. I was a little surprised to see such a thing? When my previous 1/2" shank pattern bit was worn beyond resharpening again, I asked the purchasing guy to get me a replacement, using that as a description. Expecting the "usual" 3/4" diameter one, like I had before. This is what he got for me.
It works, I guess, but if I really wanted one that small, a 1/4" shank would have been fine.
My point being that I don't see the purpose? Seems to me that the extra machining and precision required to produce such a thing would cost more than the extra material of the shank. 1/2" shank bits always cost considerably more, for nothing more than that.

 

[alltracman78]

With big panel raising bits it's obvious, but in this case not so much.
I would guess that it's because, in general you use a compression bit to cut out parts, looking for a good surface finish on both sides. This is not typical of hand held routing. On a CNC machine, there is at least some attempt at controlling the parts as they are cut loose, or they are retained by tabs, again not typical of hand held routing.
If you cut too shallow on the first pass, a compression bit acts like an up-cut, maybe giving you some tear-out on top. There is no real reason you can't though. I use a 1/2" compression bit quite often at work.

[attachimg=1]

Well, I was curious so I emailed Toolstoday and asked them for their input, the results:

Q: Why do you recommend this bit not be used in a router or router table?
A: CNC Router Bits are special bits that take advantage of the special capabilities of CNC Routers and the particular material and work style situations they are used with which cannot be achieved with a handheld or router table.

Q: Would there be any harm if I used this in a router or router table?
A: It is not recommended but it will work. You just wont get the same results as if it was used on a CNC machine.

[blink]  Well that certainly cleared things up.  [blink]

Also worth noting, the Amana solid carbide, 2-flute, compression, 1/2" shank x 1.5" cut length bit is $117 while the same bit from Woodpeckers is $70.

It may be because a compression bit isn't supposed to be used in non CNC plunge cutting.
Plunge cutting with a compression bit takes a very slow feed, as well as extra pressure. It's also really easy to burn the wood with it.
I learned this after the fact.

Edge trimming is a whole different story.

Best bit for plunge cutting is an upcut bit, which there are several (many?) available with a 2 inch cutter. And you can find 3 inch straight cutter brazed bits (Chinese stuff, but if that's all you can find...). I think SPE makes a 2 1/2 or 3 inch spiral cutter also?

Also, I know I'm kind of splitting hairs here but the Woodpeckers bit is actually 2 inches. The 1 1/4 is $55?
You can actually get the Amana  1 1/2 for 103 or the 2 inch for 112 on Amazon.
Are the Woodpeckers bits as high quality? I'm not saying they aren't (I have a couple on order) but I would say generally Amana is a slight step up from Whiteside. I would think Woodpeckers is aiming for Whiteside buyers?