Chipping melamine edge during a cut.

[ynneb]

I am cutting melemine laminated chipboard ( 16mm) and it is chipping along the bottom edge of the board. I am using a 1/8th straight bit. The bit is new and sharp.

It has been suggested I use a chip breaking bit after my initail cut but that sounds like it would be impractical for me since I dont have a tool changer and dont really want to do the same cutpath a second time.

Any suggestions.

[CNCadmin]

You could try to apply tape, or if you can score the bottom before you cut through that would work to. I use to work at a exhibits company building exhibits, usually routing did'nt cause chipping but cutting with a saw blade did, depending on the type of blade used.

[anoel]

How about taking a finishing pass? Have you tried a spiral endmill? (That'd move the chipping to the top maybe.) Climb cutting? (on a finishing pass that'd probably not chip out on both sides. I've cut a little of this stuff and thats what I ended up having to do.

[CNCadmin]

They do sell a special bit the cuts up and down, for melamine.

"Three flutes upcut & three flutes downcut. This tool was designed with extremely high feed rates in mind. Primary usage on double laminated particle board. Secondary usage suitable for finish cuts in solid wood and other dense materials."

[ger21]

You need a compression spiral, Benny. I use these at work. http://www.vortextool.com/standard/p...fm?groupID=273

You can find cheaper ones, but these are the best I've used.

[ger21]

Do you have to use a 1/8" bit? A larger bit will probably cut cleaner due to less deflection and chatter.