I have several router bits that have the same issue. Let me start by saying that I only buy premium (Whiteside) bits so quality shouldn’t be the issue. My problem is that several of my expensive profile bits have sloughed off small (very small) pieces of metal from the cutting surface. These are so small that they can’t really be considered chips and the bits seem structurally sound but the areas in question do seem to affect cut quality a little.
I use an Incra router table with a 3 1/4HP Poter Cable router and I run the router at the recommended speed based on bit size. The Incra table I have is what is called the ‘twin linear’ which has both an infeed and outfeed fence. This makes dust/chip removal a real challenge because the twin linear draws the dust/chips through the entire length of the support arm rather than the cutting area. I have a dedicated shop vac attached and never use the router without the shop vac being on.
My long winded question is what do you think is causing this problem?
Replies
The wood species, glue lines, dirty wood surfaces, or carbide quality seem to me the only culprits. Some species contain free silica which can be murder on cutters. A few glues are quite abrasive also. Dirt from the wood lot can be abrasive also. It was gravel last week. Regardless of brand dependability, even the good guys get a faulty run of material occasionally. You should rule out the first three causes first, of course.
Cadiddlehopper
A big carbide killer is heat, keep the bits clean. Another killer is caustic type cleaners, it eats at the binders( like salt on concrete). Use simple green for cleaning ;-)
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Following up on what Bruce said about heat, the speed charts you're referencing only provide a suggested or maximum rpm. What actually rpm you use would depend on the type of wood, the type of cut you're doing, how deep, whether you're working on end-grain or long-grain, and maybe other factors.
"My problem is that several of my expensive profile bits"
i would also like to add if there the larger bits then you should consider several shallow passes then taking a full cut.
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