Cutting plywood - Which bit to use?

[foamman]

Hey follow botters,
I am looking for a good bit to cut 3/4 hardwood, plywood (Home Depot's finest). I would like to have a nice finish on both sides. Any suggestions?

[myxpykalix]

Call fred at www.centuriontools.com and he can tell/sell you the best bit for your application. Many people swear by their bits. They are high quality, sharp, decent priced bits.

I wish i got a nickel for everytime i recommended them.....

[harryball]

Centurion makes a good bit, give them a call. I use a 3/8" compression spiral. I prefer mortise compressions myself.

/RB

[beacon14]

I am partial to the 1/4" compression bits from Centurion for hardwood plywood. I use a rough pass to cut the parts .02" oversize in two steps leaving a .02" skin, then a clean up pass at full depth plus a tad into the spoilboard at the actual part size. I get a nice cut on both faces and consistent part sizes.

The mortise compression is handy if you will have any cuts only 1/4" deep such as rabbets or dados. It's not needed for deeper cuts but seems to work just as well as the regular compression bits so you can save from having to keep two different bits on hand.

[paul_z]

Ben,

I use this compression bit for plywood http://www.bamcarbide.com/1shx1cutdix22.html

It makes a very clean cut and lasts a long time.

Paul Z

[wberminio]

David, could you explain how how you make
the two passes.Is that done in partworks?


Erminio

[beacon14]

Yes, in VCarve/PartWorks, using the profile toolpath.

Rough pass: cut depth = .73 (for .75" material), climb cut, .02 allowance, pass depth = .5 I also use the ramp feature with a smooth ramp of 2" length.

Finish pass: cut depth = .762, conventional cut, 0 allowance, pass depth 1", no ramps.

Save as a single toolpath file.

[knight_toolworks]

Why use offsest and a climb cut?

[beacon14]

For a more in-depth answer look here

The part relevant to this thread begins with the 3rd paragraph, right after the diagrams.

[jay_p]

Hey All,
Has anyone tried machining the Agathis plywood that HD sells?