Speed and feed for birch ply

[banderson]

Would anybody be able to recommend speeds and feeds for .5 birch ply. I am cutting out pieces for a cajon drum from a 4 x 8 sheet. I am using a .25 four fluted carbide endmill. I have a prs standard with a PC router. My first attempt threw up a lot of burrs on the edges. My pass depth was .25 @ 6 inches per sec.

[myxpykalix]

My pass depth was .25 @ 6 inches per sec.

At least to me that seems a bit fast for .25 depth cut:eek:

[gene]

I cut 3/4 @ 5 to 6 ips full depth . i use a 2 flute compression . works good for me

[Ajcoholic]

I have cut a lot of 1/2" Baltic birch ply, with two flute .25 downcut spiral, and compression bits. 90% depth pass climb, then 100% pass conventional, at 13,000 rpm - 180 to 240" per minute (3 to 4 " per second) and my cuts are generally very, very good.

Never tried to push it faster.

AJC

[chiloquinruss]

"two flute .25 downcut spiral, and compression bits" My vote too! Russ

[banderson]

Is there any advantage to going to a four or six flute bit?

[gene]

Yes , there easier to break

[chiloquinruss]

The moe flutes the more heat and less cutter clearing can happen. If you read the posts on trouble shooting cut finishes most good cuts come from 1 or 2 flute cutters and most issues arise from multiple flute bits. Russ

[wberminio]

I've been using a 3/8" compression bit for all my plywood cuts
with my standard 3.5 ips and @ 10,000 rpms
Now with the Alpha 5-6 ips same RPMs
You also need a good vacuum hold down to get a good edge
I found the best bit is a compression 3/8" has no noticeable flex