Pros and Cons of Triple-Wing Router Bits
forestgirl
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
MLCS is touting their new Triple Wing (3-cutter) router bits, here. The series includes basic edge-forming bits, straight bits and, on a separate page, raised panel bits.
So, what’s the professional’s take on these? I’ve learned the hard way about how, the more cutters, the higher feed speed may be needed to prevent burning. Is a 3-wing cutter something you’ve been craving? Are they found on shaper bits? The primary points they express, quote:
- Larger cutters with an extra cutting blade (versus standard 2-flute bits) save time by allowing more aggressive cuts and, hence, less passes. (Sheesh, grammar, boys, grammar. “Fewer”)
- These 1/2″ shank bits can be run at reduced speeds, helping to eliminate burning on problem woods, such as, cherry, oak, etc
They talk about “50% more cuts per inch” but of course that totally depends on feed speed and bit speed.
forestgirl — you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can’t take the forest out of the girl 😉
Another proud member of the “I Rocked With ToolDoc Club” …. :>)
Replies
Surely if you increase the number of flutes the chip loading on the cutter will also be increased at a given feed/speed, so the likelihood of re-cutting waste increases and that in turn makes burning MORE likely? Or does someone have a different take on this?
Scrit
Well, for all the carping that (occasionally) goes on here about nothing different to talk about, we sure aren't getting much input on this thread from "those who know." Maybe it's boring? I dunno. Am going to be gone until Sunday, hope there's some input by then! Happy Friday everyone.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
I don't see there being a problem in the same way as you see it Scrit, although I can see where you're coming from.
Either the router is moved faster thus speeding the moulding job up, or the peripheral speed of the cutter can be reduced to work at a reduced feed rate. I'd say the intention is for the former scenario to be possible, perhaps using power feeders.
The analogy I draw is to compare two cutter planer or thicknesser scalloping at a specific feed rate with a three or four cutter machine at the same feed rate. The latter will leave smaller scallops and less work at final planing/scraping/sanding time before finishing, and wood can be fed through the machine faster to get the same result as using just a two cutter head. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture
<Surely if you increase the number of flutes the chip loading on the cutter will also be increased at a given feed/speed, so the likelihood of re-cutting waste increases and that in turn makes burning MORE likely? Or does someone have a different take on this?>dust collection cures this issue and allows for the highest feed rate and best cut. aloha, mike
The three wing bits would give a smoother cut with a router. The biggest improvement would be for those that use router bits in there shaper.
It is harder to measure the cutter diameter of a 3 flute cutter.
When I was doing metal work on Bridgeport mills, I preferred 4 flute cutters over 2 or 3 flutes. They are much stiffer. They also leave a better finish.
Only amateurs burn wood. :)
Only amateurs burn wood.
Is this meant to be funny? Otherwise, I take exception to your statement, sir.
I bought new slot cutters in 3 flute to replace old two flute ones I had I love them. I have not changed anything feed rate,speed nothing different than I normally do. I am currently making some mini raised panels using rock maple and have a perfectly clean cut with no burning. I have a 31/2 hp craftsman prf router mounted in a grizzly router table same set up I had with the two flute bits. They just seem more heavy duty to me. I purchased whiteside bits from woodcraft. I think they are great will try other versions as the need arizes. rb
"I bought new slot cutters in 3 flute." What about edge treatments or rabetting or dado -- have you tried any of those?
Whitesides -- mmmmmm, good stuff!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
not as of yet but with the performance of the slot cutters I would not hesitate. first time I ever bought whitesides don't really know if it is the 3 flute design or just a good bit, but I was in heaven when I sliced through that maple.
A slot cutter is a different animal because it is essentially a saw blade on an arbor. 3 and 4 wing slot cutters are available but burning is a distinct possibility with the 4 wing ones.Charles M
Freud America, Inc.
Edited 11/21/2005 9:26 am ET by CharlesM
3-wings is too many for a router bit unless you are power feeding because of the faster feed rate required (50% faster). Slowing the rotation of the bit is not a solution in this case because the rim speed becomes too slow and is inefficient.
Freud America, Inc.
Most shaper cutters are three wing, except for some of those old style loose wing cutters. Shapers run at a lower speed, 10,000 RPMs. I can't say I feed the shaper any differently than the router but they are very different tools. Running power tools isn't much different than using hand tools. You need to judge the cut by feel and sound, type of cut, type of material, all make a difference. I think a three wing style in large bits, like panel raisers, would increase your numbers of cuts per inch, probably result in a better finish and less effort on the feed. Given the choice, I'd opt for a three wing in the larger profiles.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
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