Straight versus spiral cutters
Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 8:04 pm
Hi,
I notice in the V Carve tool data base that the term end mill is used to describe a flat bottom bit ( I always associate end mill more with metal cutting ). A spiral cutter is shown , however I have always used a 2 flute straight sided 1/4" carbide /steel bit. This has always worked out until recently doing a profile cut around a job in hardwood
(7 steps .125" ) the cutter decided to work its way down, stopped it in time. still tight in the spindle, I don`t know if it was the slight vibration in the hardwood got it moving or what. My question is should i consider using spiral sided bits for this purpose , down cut/up cut whichever? I think up cut would put pressure on the cutter to work its way down ( I do use two wrenches to tighten the collet.)
John
I notice in the V Carve tool data base that the term end mill is used to describe a flat bottom bit ( I always associate end mill more with metal cutting ). A spiral cutter is shown , however I have always used a 2 flute straight sided 1/4" carbide /steel bit. This has always worked out until recently doing a profile cut around a job in hardwood
(7 steps .125" ) the cutter decided to work its way down, stopped it in time. still tight in the spindle, I don`t know if it was the slight vibration in the hardwood got it moving or what. My question is should i consider using spiral sided bits for this purpose , down cut/up cut whichever? I think up cut would put pressure on the cutter to work its way down ( I do use two wrenches to tighten the collet.)
John