I've read about it being done. Also read about using metal lathes for turning wood. I wouldn't ask, I'd just try it, and see if I liked it.
The geometry for router bits meant to cut plastic are also different from ones for wood. Like Charley said, different materials react differently to the cutter.i believe that i have read that end mills are typically up-cut bits. i am thinking you will get better results with down cutting for the tasks you mentioned. wrt metal working bits, i'd bet that the cutter geometry is different than that for wood, as well as efficient/recommended rpm's.
go to the bit's manufacturer's site...Hey, when I look at websites, how do I know if a bit is made for metal, wood or plastic? Will a end mill made for wood cut plastic? I have an Avid machine on order and this is all new to me. I want to cut the dust shoe out of HDPE as per the video on their website. I have begun to look at the bits and actually ordered a couple. Not trying to hijack the topic but I hope I am not purchasing the wrong things.
As long as you can stay within the limits provided by the manufacturer you should be able to use HSS mills for cutting wood. I have some surplus aircraft HSS 2 flute 3/16" spiral bits I use for roughing on small projects all the time. I bought 25 for 22 dollars and after using them went back to buy some more in different sizes from him but he had sold all of his HSS bits to someone that contacted him and made a reasonable offer for them.I checked some more on my end mills. They are HSS and have an rpm rating of 1200 rpm. It would be unsafe to use the in a router. Just a thought. Enjoyed the comments. Thanks Larry
Companies that make wood router bits typically do not make metal cutting end mills, and vice versa.Hey, when I look at websites, how do I know if a bit is made for metal, wood or plastic?