Surfacing tool

[lto]

I'd like to get a carbide insert surfacing tool, maybe 2 1/2" diameter. I'd use this for the table and also to surface some very tearout prone figured wood. I remember seeing one that had an upshear.Is anyone using this? What results? Where's a good source?

thanks,
Louis

[ron brown]

I've been using the
Her-Saf bits several years now. If you could find it I would suggest trying to find one with downshear for really wild woods.

Ron

[lto]

Thanks Ron,

I have experiance in machining wood, but mostly on planers and moulders. Tool geometry makes a large difference on difficult woods there.

[David B. (Unregistered Guest)]

You will find that the larger diameter tool you use for surfacing, the more accurately the z-axis needs to be squared to the table, or you will produce ridges where the slightly sloping tool paths overlap.

[gerald_d]

Would also watch the max. speed allowed by the supplier for a large diameter bit. This is not something to experiment with.

[Brady Watson]

Good point Gerald...You REALLY don't want to swing those big bits more than 10 or 12k RPM...Some of them designed for shapers and mills are only rated to 6,000 RPM...be sure you know which one you are using!

-Brady