Proper Router tools

[aviatorskate]

I will be using a 1/4 trim router for my machine.
What type of cutters are recommended for the following?

Wood (small signs or 2d stuff)
Plastic (small panels for flightsim project, with small letters)
Metal (thin aluminum pieces)

Craig

[beone]

I have gotten to where I do most of my work with an engraving bit--1/4 in carbide. Works well in wood or plexi with proper speeds. then I use a 1/4 or 1/8 spiral upcut carbide for any flat areas. This does about 95% of my carving. I do a lot of plaques in oak and foundry patterns in wax and tooling board. I just got the tooling board (48 psf). Boy is it great! but expensive!

[706jim]

Originally Posted by aviatorskate I will be using a 1/4 trim router for my machine. What type of cutters are recommended for the following? Wood (small signs or 2d stuff) Plastic (small panels for flightsim project, with small letters) Metal (thin aluminum pieces) Craig

We use negative helix HSS mills for routing thin sheet aluminum. The negative helix prevents the metal from lifting up as it is cut.

Example: 8000rpm 40 in/min feed with 1/4 cutter 0.032 "O" condition 2024 aluminum.