What's my Problem?

[barnon]

I keep loosing the islands on the D's and A's when cutting letters out of MDF. This is 1/2 inch MDF using an 1/8 inch spiral high speed steel cutter at 60 ipm. Letters are 1/8 inch deep.

Thanks for any help.

[LeeWay]

You may try reversing the cut direction. Two passes rather than one might help with it as well.

[srmaietta]

MDF can be flakey and weak.. are you using an up cut bit? maybe that is ripping the little islands out. perhaps try a downcut.

~Steve

[barnon]

I'm using a upcut. Thanks guy's I will try you suggestions.

[SmokinErb]

are the "Islands" in the D and A being ripped out or is the cutter cutting where it shouldn't be?

[spunky1974]

Yup.....looks like a upcut versus downcut issue to me.....

[barnon]

They are being ripped out SmokinErb.

[LeeWay]

Originally Posted by srmaietta MDF can be flakey and weak.. are you using an up cut bit? maybe that is ripping the little islands out. perhaps try a downcut. ~Steve

I really despise MDF. I have cut truck loads of it and I avoid using it at all costs. It has its good points, but they don't outweigh the bad.