First of all thanks for looking/posting/answering.
I am a Tool and Die maker who has been asked by a friend to cut some samples and maybe do a small production run. These could be in anywhere in thickness from 1/4" through 3/4" depending on price, warp, etc. The outside profile would be completely cut through and on the inside would be some 1.25" square pockets at .080-.100 deep. The largest profile (although not an actual rectangle) would be 6"x3.75"....the smallest 3"x2".
Although CNC routers would be great I don't foresee needing them for much else and I already have a few choices without buying new equipment.....A large CNC bed mill (max rpm 6,000) and a MaxNC-15 closed loop hobby machine (max rpm 10,000). I also have a Bosch Colt trim router and the capability to set it up as an auxiliary spindle on whatever machine (max rpm 35K).
Since I am unfamiliar with wood, what is a good source of wood that is thinner than 3/4" that would be relatively knot free? It can be about any kind of wood as long as it takes a stain and would look smooth after cutting with the above equipment.
What is a good recommendation for a 1/4" cutter and what would be a good feed/speed/depth of cut to use?
As long as it is not ungodly slow, speed isn't a concern. I can certainly experiment once I find a good source of material but I thought I would ask those who deal with wood more than I do .