Need a recommendation

[magickpurple]

Can anyone recommend a good compression bit to cut out shapes from 3/8 inch plywood?

[Plyoboxwarehouse]

Vortex Tools is extremely good.

[paul_z]

http://bamcarbide.com/

[Bob Eustace]

David, Centurian Tools seem to be the best value and seem to last. I get at least 20 sheets (lots of pockets etc.) out of a cutter doing two sided laminated in 1/2" birch. Oddly though I dont like soome of their other stuff but others here sear by them (vee bits)

[magickpurple]

I'm not sure how to order the correct bit. If the material is 3/8 inch thick, what length of cutting edge do I need if it is a compression bit?

[bleeth]

The largest compression bit you can use for 3/8" material is a 1/4" diameter bit as a 3/8 bit will have too deep of an upcut section. You can order the shortest one they have. They tell you the depth of the upcut in the bit specs usually. You will need to use either a cut through in one pass strategy or just leave a small skin for 2nd pass as you must have the entire upcut part of the bit fully in the material. Since even 3/8 ply is not really 3/8 thick you can't really leave enough material to use bridges so I hope you have a hold-down vacuum.

[magickpurple]

Thanks for the good info.

[garyb]

Dave that's not entirely correct, the 60-123 3/8" DE compression has a .188 upcut, which allows 2 passes and bridges in 3/8 material if needed. then the 60-126 3/8" TE has an upcut length of 0.200
there is also 1/2 doz 1/2" tools with a 0.200 upcut for compression tools.
they are all under the 60-100 series here
Gary