[Salemmill]

I have to cut 2 work bench tops from a 1-3/4" laminated maple slab
approx 25" x 48". I bought a 1/2" Amana compression bit with a 2" cutting length.
I was going to cut in multiple passes of probably no more than a 1/4" per pass and
blow the chips out of the groove as I go.
The suggested feed rate for chip load is 420 in/min
sounds way too fast to me the end grain is always the issue
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Bruce

 

[Salemmill]

David 7.5kW spindle motor

 

[Salemmill]

What machine and spindle do you have? If you have a 2.2kW spindle or router that's probably too fast. I have a 3kW spindle and a comfortable speed for me, albeit a bit conservative, is 175 to 250 if I'm only taking 1/4" depth of cut. Will 1/4" get you past the upcut portion of the bit? You'll need to ensure you go past that.

The tool has not yet arrived, I may make the first pass just deeper than the upcut then successive passes at .1875 or so?
the top does get a 1/8" roundover so a little tear out may not be a big deal.