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Best Bits, feeds, and Speeds for Plywood

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Scott Thompson, Jul 17, 2021.

  1. Scott Thompson

    Builder

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    Hi Everyone,
    To date I have been experimenting with cuting only MDF on my Lead 1010. Last night I tried to cut plywood with horrible results; terrible top and bottom layer break out, rough cutting edges, etc. I have tried both up and down cut bits and the results are still a mess. Any suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Scott
     
  2. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

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    Is the plywood of a suitable grade? The $20/sheet stuff around here is held together barely, and has massive voids flooded with resin. Cutting that results in tears only. The better furniture grade plywood has better lamination and doesnt break up, cuts cleanly
     
  3. Scott Thompson

    Builder

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    Yes the grade is good to excellent. Got a few ends cuts from the local mill to experiment with.
     
    Peter Van Der Walt likes this.
  4. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
    Moderator Builder

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    Make sure that the plywood is held down. Use an upcut, but leave some stock to clear with a finishing path. Do the finishing path full depth with a compression (combined up&downcut) bit.
    Alex.
     
  5. Gary Caruso

    Gary Caruso OpenBuilds Volunteer
    Staff Member Moderator Builder

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    I've had good results with straight flute bits, sharp is key, and don't cut too much in one go, or chatter will happen. Keep to about 1x of bit diameter for depth of cut.
    The down cut SharkBite's from Openbuilds are excellent.
    Compression bit finish pass is great if you can.
    Pics of your issue could help us see what your problem is.
    Cheers
    Gary
     
    Kiskovce likes this.

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