Cutting Speeds

[wendell]

What's a good cutting speed for pocketing in cedar or cypress around letters? Keep in mind that I have a 7 year old PRT.
(Using a 1/4 inch bit/1/2 inch shank)
Just want an idea before I waste too much stock. I've never really messed much with changing speeds.

[jamesgilliam]

Wendell, I also have a 7 year old PRT and since you did not say what type of 1/4" bit you will use it is hard to give you a speed. What I do when I just don't have a clue is screw a piece down to the table, and run a series of test cuts across the grain at different speeds to see where the best quality of cut is. James

[wendell]

I have been using straight 1/4 bits from Price Cutter. I know I need to consider using some sort of spiral maybe that gives the option of cutting differently. I know downcut???? spirals tend to be cleaner.
I've been playing the idea of pocketing and then going back with a different bit and doing some sort of texture.