[Arcana]

I'll be edge trimming laminate (WilsonArt on 3/4" Birch plywood).
Will be using a Dewalt Compact router.
Should I use a 2 flute bit or a 3 flute bit?
Thanks

 

[ger21]

Doesn't matter at all. In the commercial shops I've worked at, we just use $7 single flute bits.

 

[DesertRatTom]

I don't think you gain anything with the three, but your wallet is lighter. With a trim router, don't make multiple passes if the cut is substantial.

 

[Arcana]

I'm trimming laminate only on 3/4" birch ply substrate, substrate is already cut to size.

 

[reuelt]

I'm trimming laminate only on 3/4" birch ply substrate, substrate is already cut to size.

3-flute bit will give 1.5times the number of cuts per rev compared to the 2 flute bit so each cut is smaller and finer which should result in a relatively smoother surface.

 

[Arcana]

So if I want to reduce the chance of chipout on the laminate (the bearing will be following the plywood edge) I should use the 3 flute?

 

[Rebelwork Woodworking]

So if I want to reduce the chance of chipout on the laminate (the bearing will be following the plywood edge) I should use the 3 flute?

What will you chip?

All day… Just make sure you wax,,,

 

[ger21]

So if I want to reduce the chance of chipout on the laminate (the bearing will be following the plywood edge) I should use the 3 flute?

3 flute is overkill. All that matters is that the bit is sharp. I do this for a living, and we use the $7 bits posted above. Any router bit will cut laminate just fine, as long as it's not dull.

 

[bob vaughan]

What will you chip?

All day… Just make sure you wax,,,

These are the bits most laminate shops around here use. Some users use vaseline instead of wax but that's messy.
I've used the ball bearing pilot type bits a lot also and they are slower and seem to take more pressure. Climb cut at the corners reduces chances of chipping. Dull bits are awful.

 

[Rebelwork Woodworking]

For those that didn’t know. Crisco
.

 

[bob vaughan]

That's a new one to me. Makes perfect sense. Thanks.

 

[Rebelwork Woodworking]

That's a new one to me. Makes perfect sense. Thanks.

If your routing and it starts smell in like burnt chicken, it’s too late🤣😳🥴