[QuixoticCarpenter]

Anyone here ever tried routing a sign out of plywood? Thought I'd give it a shot. As might be expected, it was tear out city. 2nd pic is a close up of a spot I lost a literal entire letter to tearout lol. Lots of other spots I lost serifs and whatnot. Hope y'all enjoy. Peace and coconut grease.

 

[QuixoticCarpenter]

Did you use a downcut spiral bit? That's what you need to cut something like that.

Used straight fluted bits, size 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4. Don't own any of the type you mention. What are the differences? Advantages? Disadvantages?

 

[QuixoticCarpenter]

A downcut spiral shears downward and prevents the face veneer from splintering and fraying. It will leave a very clean edge and will require very little cleanup, if any. It doesn't do as good on pocket bottoms, though. An upcut bit does better if you're trying to get a very clean cut there. I use both, depending on what I'm cutting.

I rarely work with plywood except for Baltic Birch for Longworth chucks and on those I use a compression bit to cut the full thickness in one pass. A compression bit cuts up for a portion of the bit and down for the rest of the bit so it leaves a clean bottom and top. I also use the spiral downcut bits on Walnut, Maple, Cherry, Purpleheart, etc.

Very helpful information. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to look into the Baltic Birch, and if I do, I'll make sure I have the right bit this time!

 

[QuixoticCarpenter]

You have some excellent talent to pull of a nice piece like that even thou the cutter used wasn't up to the task on that type of wood. I myself would have used a straight bit as well since that is what comes in the 2 router bit sets I bought.
I appreciate your post, its the prefect learning experience for me as well once I get started.
Did you use your router in a plunge base to accomplish that or just by itself handheld?

David,
Thank-you for posting!
I agree, very helpful information on the different cutters that would have worked out much better.
I will be on Youtube later trying to find a video on those different types of cutters you spoke about and adding a couple to my list.

Thanks for the kind words. Plunge router all the way. It's integral to my workflow. I work with a Makita 3.25 and expect I will until the day I die (or Festool comes calling with an endorsement lol).

 

[QuixoticCarpenter]

I made a video about two years ago on cutting Longworth chucks in BB with a compression bit if you want to look at my channel (link in signature).

Thanks. Will check your channel out.