Need some direction...

[mredican]

I am goint to use a Porter-Cable Laminate Trimmer on my cnc. I was using a dremmel but that was too small.

Anyhow, I am going to cut mostly maple and spruce wood parts. I need end mills for roughing and finnishing but have become confused by all the selections. Here are some questions:

Do I need to purchase an end-mill holder?

For wood should I use 2 flute or 4?

Is it possible to attach a 1/2 inch end mill to this laminate trimmer set up?

Best place to buy?

Sorry, lots of questions.

matt

[blackbeard52]

Matt

I dont believe that Porter Cable supports a 1/2 laminate trimmer. most are 1/4 and come with sufficient collets to hold a router cutter that will do the job. Keep in mind that those trimmers are not the HP of the bigger guys and plunge cuts are not recommended on thick stock. Having said that, Most are using a spiral flute upcut router bit usually in 2 flute as the relief depth is greater and the cuts will not burn or walk as bad.

Hope this helps.
Bob

[ger21]

You'll want to use spiral router bits with a 1/4" shank, like these. http://eagleamerica.com/product.asp?...cd2=1205033524

You can also get carbide tipped router bits in larger diameters with 1/4" shanks, but you'll need to take shallow passes due to the low power of the laminate trimmer.

The laminate trimmer will come with a 1/4" collet to hold these. You might want to look at the Bosch Colt, which is variable speed and a little more power. Laminate trimmers spin at very high rpm's and can easily cause burning of the workpiece.

[mredican]

Thank you guys. Excellent information that will get me up and running. I would like to go with a larger router; however, I am concerned that the extra weight will put too much load on my stepper motors.