Baltic birch plywood splinters

[Jerry W.]

I am new to the forum and this is my first post.

I am cutting .250 and .500 holes in Baltic birch plywood and many of the holes get splinters (see photos). One 12" X 24" plywood sheet needs needs 36 holes, about 3 of 10 sheets has splinters. What can I do to reduce this?

I am using a 3/16" 3 flute carbide end mill, 16,000 rpm, feed rate 45.0 inches/min, plunge rate 30.0.

Thanks!

Jerry

[genek]

Spraying it with laquer and allowing it to dry first will help some... Also.. Use a smaller bit.. And spiral the cut from center like you are dipping out a bowl.

[steve4460]

Use a 0.25 down spiral 2 flute no lacquer needed.


happy cutting
s5mfg.com

[Jerry W.]

Thanks guys for your help.

I now have the down cut end mills to try tomorow.

Thanks!

Jerry

[Steve M]

A straight flute has worked best for me with any kind of plywood.
The cleanest results will be obtained by doing this in two passes. Leave .010" of material in the first pass (climb cutting) and then cut to zero stock on the second pass with conventional milling.