Router bits

[Naildrivingman]

I am wondering if an up cut spiral bit is the only way to go for ultimate dust collection when using the 1400 to create dados?  Thoughts?

 

[bkharman]

I am wondering if an up cut spiral bit is the only way to go for ultimate dust collection when using the 1400 to create dados?  Thoughts?

It is good but not perfect. It will help "clear the path" but can leave some fuzzy edges as it is "pulling" the wood up.

White side makes a combination bit that is excellent, but it is not cheap!  Take a look for it and good luck. Again, the up cut bit is a good start, but there will be some cleanup after the fact. Really a preference thing. If you have a Rockler nearby, head on in and try both out.

Cheers. Bryan.

EDIT:  I forgot that you asked specifically about dadoes. What I referenced above was for trimming the edges for flush. I have these undersized plywood bits and they leave a very clean cut in ply and other woods. Again, pricey but the cut is clean. Having to clear the path isn't really a big deal.

Whiteside Router Bits 470 Undersize Plywood Dado 3 Piece Set with 7/32-Inch,15/32-Inch, and 23/32-Inch Cutting Diameter with 1/2-Inch Shankhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UYSVYU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Uty6ybQCQT0T4

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Naildrivingman]

Thanks Bryan.

I used an up cut spiral made of HSS and I was less than impressed with the speed of the cut...VEEEERRRRYYY SLOOOOOW and as you mentioned, the edges were pretty fuzzy. To achieve say a 3/8" dado, would it make any difference to use carbide and to do three passes with the first being 1/16-3/32", the second being 1/4" and the final being an additional 1/16" or would I still get fuzzy shoulders?

I used a typical bottom cutting single fluted bit and it gave a nice cut, but very little dust was collected from the cut.

 

[ear3]

MLCS is a good source for cheaper spiral bits:https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_solid.html

Especially if the dado is deep, I still find I get chips left in the channel even when using upcut spirals, so I just tend to use downcut spiral on dado work since it leaves a better edge.  The router gets most of the ambient dust, so I don't find it to be a hassle to go back over the channel with a vac to get the chips that are left.

 

[Roseland]

If you have two routers, couldn't you do one shallow pass with a down-cut cutter, and then hog out with an up-cut?

Andrew

 

[Rob-GB]

Knife cut the edges of the dado prior to routing?
It seems to me to be an atypical north american thing to dado everything while the rest of us are happy to dowel or domino (domino fan here  [big grin]) or screw the parts together.
Not knocking the method, it is tried and tested and accepted by clients but the world has moved on from dado, brad nail and glue.
This is my take on american joinery/cabinetry from many hours watching the New Yankee Workshop  [smile] which I really enjoyed.

Rob.

 

[semenza]

The dado channel is going to fill with chips or allow them to escape pretty much regardless of bit. One thing that clears it pretty fast is to leave the router in the dado after the cut. And slide the bit backwards through the dado with the router turned OFF. This plows the chips loose and the vac will get most of fit. Cut the dado, switch off , pull router back. Drawback is turning the vac on manually.

Seth

 

[Naildrivingman]

UPDATE
I was using the zero clearance insert and when removed, a typical single flute mortising bit worked just fine. All debris was removed to my satisfaction. Thanks for all the input