Which Festool Router for HDPE Advice?

[psiron]

Hi everyone,

Posting from the UK looking for some advice buying and using these awesome tools.
I have some 15mm HDPE Polyethylene (500 grade) which I need to firstly cut to length and width (from approx 2000mm x 1000mm sheets. I need to apply a 6.5mm radius to one long edge (around 2000mm) and slot cut it with a 20mm x 3mm cut. I have around 3 of these per week to do and not sure which router to buy to do the job?

I have been looking at the 2200 but not sure if the 1400 will do the job or any other model? Does anyone have any experience with this type of material using any of the festool range please? Im looking for a really clean cut and finish if anyone can suggest any methods which have worked for them. All advice would be welcomed as im pretty nervous about it. I have some test pieces which will hopefully save my bacon!

Kind of lost but I know I only want a festool

Thanks everyone.

 

[Brice Burrell]

First, [welcome] to the FOG!

I've cut and routed small amounts of HDPE with good success using my Festool tools, the TS55 and Festool routers. I'd recommend the Festool OF1400 router since it's a very versatile router although the OF1010 (small router) or the OF2200 (large router) would work too.   

I don't think you'll have any problems machining this material. If you control the speed of the cutting to avoid melting you'll be fine (don't go too slow).

 

[psiron]

Thanks Brice,

Im wondering what kind of finish to expect on the rounded edge? Is long as I dont get any knife marks or swarf Ill be on a winner.
Any advice on the cutting & shaping bits for this thickness material please? I have read lots of conflicting infomation.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks Brice,

Im wondering what kind of finish to expect on the rounded edge? Is long as I dont get any knife marks or swarf Ill be on a winner.
Any advice on the cutting & shaping bits for this thickness material please? I have read lots of conflicting infomation.

I don't have enough experience that I can confidently give you advice you so it would be better to hear from someone else for trusted advice. From my limited experience the areas once cut don't have that perfect gloss finish anymore. I'm not sure if any particular router bit will make a big difference. 

 

[justinmcf]

hi and welcome to the fog.

i have no experience with cutting the material you have enquired about. but i have the OF2000 and OF1400.
i highly recommend the OF1400. i can router through the hardest hardwoods on earth, so i think you should be right with the OF1400.

by the way, if you change your profile to show you are from the uk. it may make it easier for people to help you in the future.

regards, justin.

 

[tbellemare]

My experience is that most people want to turn the bit too fast for the feed and melt the shavings or even the work piece, like Brice was saying. I cut different densities of plastics and the approach is similar, turn the speed of the bit down so it doesn't remelt what you already cut. If you're using a hand-held router, you can only feed it so fast and to get the right cut, it's a feed-vs.-speed thing.

Just make sure your bit is sharp...

Also, it can be difficult for even a proper Festool dust extraction system to clean up plastic shavings. Use the biggest hose you can and turn up the CT full blast.

Tom