Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 25, 2006 09:28pm | #1

   Carbide is relatively unaffected by overheating, so even though it may looks burned you probably haven't done any damage to it.

   The bit is a small diameter so you should be running it at full speed.  Reduced speed is primarily used to slow down bits with large diameters.

   Wood is an excellent insulator so the longer you have the bit in the cut, the hotter it will become.  To minimize the heating you should plunge and withdraw fairly quickly, limited by your ability to control the cut and the motor's power.  Also be sure that the bit you are using is straight or an up spiral version which will pull the chips out of the cut and is center cutting which means it is designed to be used for a plunge cutting rather than just cutting with the side of the bit.

   If the bit has burnt resin built up on it you should clean it off to improve the cutting action.  On something as small as a router bit I just use the tip of a knife blade to scrape the bit clean.

   John W.

2. 
   charlesm | Jan 25, 2006 10:26pm | #2

   I believe John W is correct. Most mortise bits are meant to be ramped into the cut rather than plunged. If the bit has down shear angles they are forcing the chips down and the bit is trying to recut them rather than eject them. Also, the end of the bit is likely not intended for cutting.

   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

3. 
   Routerman | Jan 26, 2006 01:30am | #3

   I'm thinkin' inexperiece got the best of that cutter. And yes you can burn one out that fast, seconds to minutes. Plunge mortices should be wasted at ~1/8-3/16"/pass. At that depth, you can rout about as fast your hands can move. Notwithstanding, there is some technique sensitivity and good fixturing canot be ignored.

    

   Routing for Starters

1. 
   coyoteebo | Jan 26, 2006 08:14pm | #4

   Thanks everyone for your imput I was sure glad to see that were some replies to my post! I am now sure (after your comments) that I was the problem but my best lessons often are initially errors.  Faster router speed when mortising and with all small diameter bits...a lesson I thought I already knew and I maybe using the wrong method for mortising. I read where you should plunge the ends of the mortise and then remove the rest in 1/8  layers. What are your suggestions. ?

1. 
   PeteBradley | Jan 26, 2006 09:55pm | #5

   I always have done them in passes from end to end. I don't see a reason to plunge the ends, especially if you're going to square them up afterwards.Pete

1. 
   coyoteebo | Jan 27, 2006 11:22pm | #6

   Thanks. Last night I had more mortising to do and ramped into the cuts with great results.

   Problem solved. Thank you for help!