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Cutting 1/16 slot in pine

888 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  roxanne562001
Hello to all,

I am new member and this is my 1st time posting on this forum. I am restoring a small window frame.

I need to cut a couple of 1/16 slots in a piece of pine. The slots will be less than 1/2 inch deep and run the length of the wood on 2 sides to accept an aluminum outer extrusion. I would like to use my Hitachi M12SC router and according to the manual the no-load speed is 24,000/min. The 2 inch diameter Freud 56-100 3-wing slot cutter I purchased states the speed to be no greater than 16,000. I'll be mounting the cutter in a Bosch 1/4" arbor. I like the Bosch arbor as it has very large washers top and bottom.

I'm wondering if it'll be safe to use this set up. I'm guess the cutter actual speed will be lower as I feed the stock along.

Any ideas would be appreciated as I don't want to hurt myself in the process.
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Welcome to the forum.
G'day Mitch, welcome to the forum..
I would say to listen to what it sounds like. You'll be able to tell if it is running too fast. You could also get a speed controller at Harbor Freight and give that a try. You're not taking much wood off and the wood is soft so there won't be a lot of stress on the bit.
I would say to listen to what it sounds like. You'll be able to tell if it is running too fast. You could also get a speed controller at Harbor Freight and give that a try. You're not taking much wood off and the wood is soft so there won't be a lot of stress on the bit.
Thanks for your reply! I did try it out yesterday on a sample piece. The Freud bit is incredibly sharp and it cut a very clean groove. It was like going through butter. I'm also glad I opted for the Bosch arbor as the larger thick washers (top & bottom) really add stability and the slot cutter runs very true.
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