Has any one found a good 1/4 inch spiral bit for cutting through 2 inch stock? I don't know if such a monster exists, or if I have to go up to a larger diameter.
If anyone can recommend a favorite, I would be most appreciative!
I have tried a google search but everything pretty much tops out at 2-1/2 inch overall length, which doesn't give me much to grab in the collet.
Its out there, I am sure, I just can't find it because I am looking too hard.
When I run into a need to cut thicker material than I have a bit for, I let the bit cut as deep as it can, then simply band saw the part out being careful not to let the blade touch the finished edge. Then I use a flush trim bit on a router table to mill off the bottom protruding edge. If the part is a hole and can't be cut free using a band saw, I use a jigsaw.
How about...drill the end limits all the way through on drill press...attack from both sides...
...real solution would be to get a "compression" bit in 1/2" shaft, appropriate length...pricey but like a torque wrench, ya gotta have it when ya need it.
The compression bit leaves clean edges on both sides of the slot...
Doug even if you could find one that long I don't think it would do a good job, or last very long. There would be too much chatter and vibration with a bit that small and that long. Even a 1/2" at 2 inches starts to chatter a bit.
I would only use it for the last 1/4 inch. I cut the pieces free with the bandsaw and trimmed on the router table, thought I might try one just a little bit longer and see the result.
If I understand ,you are routing them to size all the way to 1/4 inch in depth,then cutting with band saw. Can you then turn the piece over and use a regular pattern bit with a bearing to guide on the already sized portion and finish the cut? I think someone already suggested that,then you probably could use a bit you already have.
I know I would feel more comfortable doing it that way, long bits scare me to death. They are prone to deflection,and breakage.
Herb
ONSRUD Tools makes a 1/4in 2flute upcut spiral bit that i have used in the past. It has 2 1/4in of flute then about 1in of shank to hold onto in the collet. I only ever used the bit for softer material so I am not sure how it would perform in wood but I tend to agree that you would get some chatter with something that long in a smaller diameter tool.
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