Top plaining question

[ssutton]

What is the best way to surface plane the sacrificial material of your router?

I have basically 2 questions:

1. I am using Turbocad (CAD) and Sheetcam (CAM). Do I just create a pocketing operation in Sheetcam that is as big as my table top?

2. What is the best type of bit to plane with? I have a 3/4 MDF top on my router?

[Pplug]

Originally Posted by ssutton What is the best way to surface plane the sacrificial material of your router? I have basically 2 questions: 1. I am using Turbocad (CAD) and Sheetcam (CAM). Do I just create a pocketing operation in Sheetcam that is as big as my table top? 2. What is the best type of bit to plane with? I have a 3/4 MDF top on my router?

1 yes

2 As wide as you can find for your spindle. They make surfacing bits that have replaceable blades. I use a 1/2" upshear bit. I could do larger, but i surface about once every 6 months, and it doesn't make financial sense for me.

[jsheerin]

They make big surfacing bits, but they can be pricey. Also, the bigger the bit, the more important it is that your spindle is trammed well (perpendicular to the x/y plane of your machine. Otherwise it will leave ridges between cuts. Mostly for cost, I also use a 1/2" bit. It takes about 20 minutes or so for my machine to surface itself (4'x4'). I just go do something else while it's doing it.

[Phife]

I use a 1.25" large dado bit, it was cheap too, $26. Makes quick work of surfacing.

I take off about 0.02 to 0.04" from the material.

Also you want to make the pocket a bit larger than the surface you are surfacing because otherwise you will have rounded corners from the surface bit.

[hemsworthlad]

Originally Posted by ssutton What is the best way to surface plane the sacrificial material of your router?

If your using Mach just use the surfacing wizzard.!

[wcarrothers1]

I've had my machine runnig for 4 years. I've surfaced the 4x8 sheet 1 time then place a 3/4 MDF sheet on top.. Have not had to re-surface yet..

When I cut something through I use one of those MDF peg board (like 3/16" thick) but with out the peg board holes as my spoil board.

Seems plenty true for what I do along the entire table.

b.