Long lasting cutters

[justCNCit]

This is basically a poll. I am just about done working on a large wood cnc router.

This is a hobby and investment. I plan on making signs as a start to make some of the money back. The plan is to make the signs out of 2x12 wood like you would pick up at the lumber yard.

I have been running HSS so far on it and they seem to burn out. Just for fun I was wondering how much better your experiences have been running carbide in wood rather than HSS, what rules should be followed especially for someone inexperienced in cutting wood with these tools like me.

Running a 7 amp princess auto router, 400 oz in motors w/xylotex control & 1/2-10 TPI 5 start ACME drives.

Thanks.

ps. I have been able to cut at speeds exceeding 125 in/min, but my setup has not been rigid enough and i have basically crashed.

[ger21]

HSS should never be used for wood, it just doesn't last. Carbide is the only way to go.

Here are the basics:

MDF will dull bits quickly. Never use bits intended for real wood on MDF. Keep bits for MDF separate.

When cutting pine (2x12's), you need to keep your bits clean. Any buildup on them generates heat, and heat is what will cause bits to dull faster. get a good bit cleaner and clean them after every use.

If you're router is not variable speed, then you're spinning your bits too fast for your feedrate. Which causes excessive heat and shortens tool life.

You probably should try to make your machine more rigid, so you can cut faster. Ideally, for maximum tool life, you always want to cut as fast as you can, as long as you're getting acceptable cut quality. Machine rigidity can play a major role here.