edp and flute count

[brain]

hey guys,

i was looking around on the boards and seen a link to cuttingtoolsource.com. a few of you got some bits and seemed to like them, so i'll give them a shot also. i've only had my prs standard 4x8 for a little over a week now, and have only done 2d stuff so far. i would like to play with some 3d and i also need a smaller spiral bit(other than the 1/8" end mill) for some more intricate 2d work.
so i noticed on their site they offer bits in 2,3,&4 flute and also edp coated. i am looking to get an 1/8" ballnose(among others) and was wondering, do i need more than two flutes on such a small bit, and what is edp coated and do i need it.
i'll mostly be cutting pine, if that helps. as always, any help for the new guy is always appreciated.

brian

[Brady Watson]

do i need more than two flutes on such a small bit, and what is edp coated and do i need it.
i'll mostly be cutting pine...


The flute count (2 vs 4) depends on the material, but I would recommend the 2 flute for superior chip extraction and more strength than a 4-flute. When you start getting down below 1/16" they are like a cat whisker & snap easily.

I have no idea what EDP is, but it appears to be a portion of a part number from that site. Many end mills are Titanium Nitride coated (TiN), which is worthless on a router when cutting wood. The only coating that will yield higher performance that I have found is a diamond coating, and I certainly would never use it on pine. You won't hurt anything running a coated bit, but I doubt you will see any difference in performance or longevity in wood.

2-flute bright carbide is just fine as-is for what you are doing. Get yourself an 1/8" collet (or stubby collet chuck w/0.125" ER11 collet) because all tools under 1/8" have an 1/8" shank. Don't waste your money on necked down 1/4" shank router bits with 1/8" or 1/16" tips. They are great for certain 3D jobs where you need a little more stiffness, but not worth 2 or more times the price of a super extra long end mill with a straight shank, or only necked down from 1/8".

-B