What to use to cut Melamine Board?

[Daya]

Hi Guy, can anyone sujject to me the best tool which I could use to cut melamine coated partical board. Info on the router rpm's and also the cutting speeds would be most welcome.

[Richards]

I used a 2-flute 3/8" "compression" cutter, which down-cuts the top surface and up-cuts the bottom surface. That down/up action reduces chipping.

Feed speed was usually about 360" per minute on my Shopbot PRT Alpha and the spindle speed was set at 12,000 RPM to give a 0.015" chip size.

When I didn't have a compression cutter, I used a down-cutter on the first pass and a up-cutter on a second pass. The effect was the same.

[danilom]

As Richards said, only compression up/down cut bit.
I once had to cut it without compression bit, offset the line, cut with plain bit, then used 12mm straight bit at 23k RPM to clean 3mm offset in one pass. this could be done only if you have a pre-cut part and don't have to cut it out of the board.

[Gerald D]

Fabrica!!! I thought you gave up the production stuff and went to coach cricket? :)

Folks, Fabrica holds serial #1 - he kept me awake with all his questions and you can thank him for all the stuff I was obliged to put on the forum for him. Please give him good advice.

[smreish]

Fabrica,
So good to hear from you again.
I, like others have noted, have good success with the up/down compression bit.
I personally use a 3/8" Onsrud compression at 13-15K RPM (as fast as my 5hp router goes) and feed rate between 190-280 ipm. I could probably go faster, but I "listen" for the groan in the sheet goods. :)

Best,
Sean

[Daya]

Gerald,
As I have told you on numerous occassions, You gave us a challenge and I almost lived up to your expectations. But also I have told you that this is not my bread and butter. But still again after so many years I have again thought of making some use of the beast that this forum and you have created for me. Anyway thanks a lot for introducing me to other forum members in such a classy manner. I am really happy to join up with you guys again

[domino11]

Anyone who has been around here knows Fabrica! Good to see you around again. :)

[normand blais]

Hey! Fabrica how you doing ,any sculpture picture?

[Daya]

Nothing for the monment Normand, I will keep you posted of any new developments.

[Daya]

Mike, are you sujesting something like this.
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/2-flute-compression-bit-viper-1-2-dia-1-3-8-cut-length-1-2-shank-vortex-3152/

[danilom]

Thats it Fabrica, but you might find them a bit cheaper.

[Daya]

Can you give me a link please to buy it cheaper.

[danilom]

first one I got saved is these guys
http://www.bamcarbide.com/updocosprobi.html
but the 1/2 is rather large bit, and you will need lots of power at the spindle to cut with it. Look for 3/8 (10mm) or 8mm instead. I got locally russian GLOBUS 8mm compression bits (http://sasa-olga.com/images/phocagallery/Katalog1/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_scan0011.jpg) for 26$, but I must say that I have not used them much to say about durability

[Daya]

Danilo thanks for the info. I will follow it up.

[Daya]

Another Tool Link given below. Looks cheaper than what i found earlier.

http://www.toolstoday.com/p-5638-cnc-compression-spiral-bits-for-mdflaminate-2-flute.aspx

[Robert M]

Fabrica....Nice to see your back :)
Your part of some few whom inspired me to pursuit in my buid !!
Glad to “ Read ” ya
Locking forward for more !
Amicalement, Robert ;)

[timberlinemd]

I, like others have noted, have good success with the up/down compression bit.
I personally use a 3/8" Onsrud compression at 13-15K RPM (as fast as my 5hp router goes) and feed rate between 190-280 ipm. I could probably go faster, but I "listen" for the groan in the sheet goods. :)

Best,
Sean

Sean,
Do you cut thru 3/4" melamine in one pass with the 3/8" cutter? Do you believe that these 15amp routers will do that or is your 5hp router a spindel? I'm afraid to try.

[timberlinemd]

Good link for true horse power of small motors...
http://www.kevinsbrady.net/motors.pdf