Is the total depth of cut limited by flute length?

[ron_churches]

I probably should know this by now and have searched the forum for an answer unsuccessfully, but does flute length limit how deep I can cut with a particular bit? For example, I am working on a project cutting 2' x 4' victorian corbels out of edge glued 1 3/4" Douglas fir. In order to keep the inside corners tight, I'd like to use a 1/4" diameter up spiral but am not finding any available that have a flute length 1 3/4" long. Is it possible to use a bit that has a 1" or 1 1/4" flute length to cut through the Fir?

[khaos]

This is the actual cutting part of the tool. below the shank. C is flute length

http://www.toolstop.co.uk/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/3-12_dd.jpg

[ron_churches]

Hi Joe, I understand which part of the bit is the flute. My question is whether or not I can cut deeper (using multiple . 25 inch passes) to achieve a total depth that exceeds the bits flute length.

[gc3]

yes you can as long as flute diameter is same as shank diameter...

[Brady Watson]

Oberg Brothers (http://www.obergbrothers.net/) has what you want. They are Super Extra Long 1/4" - 2 Flute End Mill - 2" LOC - 4" OAL. Part Number: SL20014 - Call and order a few.

-B

[Burkhardt]

.....whether or not I can cut deeper (using multiple . 25 inch passes) to achieve a total depth that exceeds the bits flute length.

I think it is a yes and no answer. If you just cut vertical (e.g. boundary slot cutout) you can go moderately deeper than the flute unless the slot starts clogging. But obviously you can not cut horizontal or burn the wood with the rubbing shank.

A longer bit like Brady suggests is the better choice. HTC (http://www.htcmfg.com/) also makes some long, extra long and extra extra long cutters for reasonable money (Made in US).

[POPS 64]

Ron I have some odd shaped box's I make and cut them out with the sb . The box is 2 1/2" tall and cut them out with a 3" up spiral bit with no problems ever. But I do use a blow gun once the cut reach's 50%

[waterwheelman]

I agree with Gene. As long as the tool path is the same horizontally all the way down in the cut.

[Brian Harnett]

Yes I do it all the time don't have an issue at all. As said shank diameter must be less than cutter diameter though thats obvious.

[shilala]

Yes, I do it all the time, as well.
I like a shorter CEL, unless the bits are tapered. Seems like they're quieter.

[chiloquinruss]

Just another comment from the peanut gallery here, my issue has been getting clearance from the collet nut to the tip of the bit and making sure I have enough of the bit securely in the collet. Second is I have to remove the dust collector to do really deep cuts. Russ