I just finished routing 40 feet of slots, 1.5" deep, .5" wide, in oak. My results were fine, but it took a long time. My equipment, OF 1400, with a .5" x 2" double flute (straight) bit, attached to a CT. I made multiple passes, 8 mm per pass. Vacuumed the waste out of the slot (which was significant ) after each pass. I have "up cut" bits but they leave the top edge a bit ragged so I didn't use one.
It occurred to me during the operation that only the bottom 8mm of the bit is doing any cutting, and the flutes do nothing to bring the waste up to the dust shroud. It also occurred to me that using a 3/8" uncut, followed by the .5" straight bit might have been faster but by that time I was just about done. Are there better techniques ?
Are there better bits or combinations of bits that can cut more aggessively (faster).
Thanks,
Tom
It occurred to me during the operation that only the bottom 8mm of the bit is doing any cutting, and the flutes do nothing to bring the waste up to the dust shroud. It also occurred to me that using a 3/8" uncut, followed by the .5" straight bit might have been faster but by that time I was just about done. Are there better techniques ?
Are there better bits or combinations of bits that can cut more aggessively (faster).
Thanks,
Tom