Largest DIA bit you've used?

[jdwykrent]

So I want to try cutting raised panels in hardwood on my PRS alpha. I have a freud 99-214 (http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/844661/freud-99214-french-provincial-raised-panel-router-bit-12-shank.aspx) bit... But I'm a little scared to try it in my machine.

Has anyone used anything like this? Can you recommend feed rates and RPM's?

[Sk8MFG]

Yup. I use a 3" cove bit with a 1/2" shank to cut wheel wells in skateboards (hard maple). No problems.

But you MUST, get information regarding maximum RPM.. Finding the recommended chip load is also a real good idea.

I stalled out my PRS Alpha a few times and made some really burnt cuts trying to figure out proper feed speed.

[jdwykrent]

Cool, thanks for the help. My students have made skateboards in the past... I don't have a good way to form the decks. But we manage to do well with what we have. If I had the right set up I'm sure it would take off in my class.

[Chuck Keysor]

Jeff, I have a 2 1/2" diameter Amana planer bit that I use for surfacing my table, and flattening large boards. It cuts with ease and causes no apparent stresses on my PRT Alpha. Chuck

[Sk8MFG]

Cool, thanks for the help. My students have made skateboards in the past... I don't have a good way to form the decks. But we manage to do well with what we have. If I had the right set up I'm sure it would take off in my class.

I work extensively with Roarockit out of Toronto. Ted and Norah (owners) are a pair of cool dudes, and very easy to work with. http://www.roarockit.com/
Can't say enough good things.


They sell 1/16" maple veneer and have designed an easy to use vacuum press.

Their primary customers are schools, kids can build boards in shop class, no vacuum pump required.

I highly suggest you look into it if you have any interest in building boards in class.

As for feeds and speeds, I run mine at 8000rpm and about 1ips. Cut depth of about .2"

[Roy Harding]

I'll second the Roarockit review.

I don't make skateboards, and I have a vacuum pump veneering setup. But I still use one of their skateboard vacuum bag setups for small jobs - it's a gem (and CHEAP!!)

[myxpykalix]

I've used a 3" spiral bit and barley twist...no problems. I use a router not a spindle

[chiloquinruss]

"I don't have a good way to form the decks" At one of the Bot Camps a fellow brought in some skate board blanks he made. What he had done on the bot was make a male/female mold set, then he would make his own plywood by using veneer layers in the mold using a press to do the final forming. These were really very swoopy/doopey boards too, so I think the sky is the limit. Russ