Help cutting plywood

[gary_k]

I have an opportunity to cut approximately 700 pieces out of 1" plywood for a shipping company - a basic rectangle shape with 5 holes, some with counterbores. I have a PRSalpha with a 4 hp spindle and I have not cut plywood yet - any suggestions on cutter type and size, feeds and speeds? Can I do it with 1 pass? I am not used to pushing my machine very fast because so far I have been doing mostly 3D work so I just want to make sure how much to push it.

Thanks,
Gary

[knight_toolworks]

you could not do it well in one pass. say 3/4" first pass and the cleanup pass at 1" a 3/8" bit would be best. downcut would keep it clean. you could do 3 or 4ips on the first pass and the second. do the first as a climb cut to make the part and bit large and regular cut to clean it up.
you will dial it in after some practice. it will be a lot of work and weight. You will need am material handling cart. buy one o make one Like I have posted.

[blackhawk]

I second the use of a 3/8" down spiral. I really like the ones from Centurion Tools.

[coach]

I have been cutting 3/4" oak veneer plywood recently.
I am using a 3/8" Onsrud 60-124 MW (maximum wear)at 4 ips and 12,600 spindle speed.
I am getting great results. I am doing 2 passes.
David

[gary_k]

Thanks for all of the input - I am going to give it a try tomorrow.

Gary

[gabepari]

I would use a 1/2" compression cutter. 6 ips, typical strategy, 80% deep climb cut, finish at .010" into spoiler with conventional cut.

Gabe

[knight_toolworks]

that's a pretty deep cut for 6ips and .75" deep cut in one pass.

[Gary Campbell]

Steve....
Havnt used a 1/2" bit for a while, but we routinely cut at 6-8ips, .72" deep with a 3/8 compression bit. Next batch will be attempted at 10ips. This, of course is using the climb/conventional method, which yields very accurate parts.
Gary