Which Endmill for cutting wood on CNC mill?

[Cadillac STS]

I have a CNC mill, a converted Rong Fu 31. It was a CNC Masters machine and I converted to servos and Mach 4.

I would like to make a holder for my quick change end mill holders. Essentially 12 holes one inch or so spread out on a 12 X 6 inch 1.5 inch thick stack of glued up plywood.

Should I use a 2 flute end mill or be better off going with a router bit? And which bit?

 

[RJSakowski]

I would use a carbide router bit. I just ordered and received a 23/32" from eBay for $14, including shipping. The bit was 1/2 shank and cut flawlessly. I would be hard pressed to find a 3/4" carbide end mill for that price.

I had used a 1/2" HSS end mill to route some plywood in the past. It worked but it ruined a good end mill.

For rigidity, I would get a 1/2" shank router bit.

 

[benmychree]

For non plywood duty, I have used a two flute mill made for cutting aluminum.

 

[derf]

For the limitations on spindle rpm on that machine, I would use a spiral fluted down cut router bit.

 

[Martin W]

Try using a single or two flute spiral solid carbide router bit, or one of the new Polaris bits from Onsrud.
Cheers
Martin

 

[Cadillac STS]

Thank for the help

Got a 1/2 inch shank spiral fluted down cut router bit. Solid carbide.

Good thought on not using wrong tool and ruining a good endmill.

With the CNC CAM software I can set it to cut inside out or from outside in toward the middle. For best edge on top which way is best? Plywood

 

[derf]

With a down cut bit it won't make any difference. The down cut will leave the top clean and whisker free.

 

[stioc]

For a lower spindle speed I was going to suggest a forstner bit (https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PC1014-Forstner-Bit-14-Piece/dp/B004TSZEB4) instead of a router bit but let us know how it works. I have both (router and forstner) but haven't used either on the mill...yet.

 

[cbellanca]

Woodline USA sells down spiral cut solid Carbide bits in 1/8" t0 1/2" sizes. The are excellent for cutting gross grain producing a very clean cut.
www.woodline.com 1-800-472-6950

 

[EmilioG]

You may want to look at Amana Tools. They have decent cnc router bits for mdo, plywood and more. I’ve used a few Whiteside tools as well. Amana tools are USA Made.