cutting bamboo ply

[2006prt]

Has anyone cut cabinet door and drawers out of 3/4" bamboo sheets. I would like to use an 1/8" cutter to minimize the kerf between parts. My default is a 3/8" compression but I was wondering if a smaller diameter bit will work if I take slow shallow cuts.

Thanks
Todd

[bleeth]

Theoretically yes but be prepared to break some bits! That's a long cel for a bit that small in material that hard. Best done on a table saw. Bamboo has such a straight grain you may not hardly notice the difference between an 1/8" bit and say a 1/4".

[2006prt]

thanks dave

I think what I will do is tell ecabs all the cabs are the standard drawer on door bases and then cut the bottom door into drawer faces when needed. I was trying to avoid manual labor but sometimes it seems the better way to go.

[pappybaynes]

3/8 would be better but expect it to be noisy....wicked hard stuff to mill

[Burkhardt]

I made my bathroom cabinets from bamboo (see old thread here (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showpost.php?p=156787&postcount=14)) and cut pretty much everything with 1/8" bits (2-flute fishtail upcut). Maybe not the fastest method but I usually do 2 ips, 13krpm and 1/8 to 1/10" deep for such bamboo plywood. No problem and very clean cut.

[scottp55]

Todd, Agree with G. on Fishtails--May not be fast enough for you though. Super clean sidewalls and virtually no splintering at all--Just did 20yr old Indian Rosewood 2 days ago.
Makes sense as they're made for things like frets and other Luthier work and their material is sometimes old/dry/ but always expensive. Made to leave a pocket bottom suitable for gluing though. Tips are aggressive and good drilling holes using Inside/Profile/Spiral Ramped cuts also.
Good luck.
scott

[2006prt]

Thank you for all your inputs. I think the slow cutting of the 1/8" cutter is worth the trade off for speed from the 3/8" compression I am accustom to. What is a fish tail cutter and where should I purchase one.

Thanks
Todd

[scottp55]

Hi Todd, PreciseBits is where I got my .117"2Flute-Think minimum order was 8 of them.
Just bought some bits from Drillman1 on E-bay but haven't tried his fishtails. Like everything else bought from him which is why I ordered $140 of various 1/8'ths to split between the 2 shops:)
http://www.precisebits.com/gateways/EndMillsHome.htm

[2006prt]

Thank you scott. I went to the link and did not find one with a cutting length of 3/4".

[Burkhardt]

I am not sure if PreciseBits has one with long enough straight section to cut through 3/4" sheet. At least the one I got is too short with a 1/4" shank.

I do use the Drillman1 1/8" bits (http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-1-8-1250-CARBIDE-2-FLUTE-ENDMILLS-WOOD-OR-PLASTIC-/381026975000) which are 2" long and leave more in the collet for 3/4" deep cut than the usual 1.5" long bits of that shank diameter. The flute length is 0.625 but that is O.K. because you do not go 3/4" deep in one step.

I rarely wear them out. Usually I run them for a long time and at some point break them by mistake but at $5 each no big problem.

[2006prt]

Thanks I just ordered those from drillman. 5 bits for 25 is a great deal. I hope 4 bits don't end up in the broken bit drawer.

Thanks for all the help.

Todd

[scottp55]

Thanks G.
PB does carry a bit in 1/8" shank with those dimensions. But more than twice the cost:(
MM208-1250-063F 1/8 in. (0.1250 in., 3.175 mm) dia. PreciseBit 2-flute fish-tail end-mill, 0.63 in. max DOC, 2.0 in. OAL $11.15
Let us know how you like it Todd.