[skylanehku]

Hi, what are you guys using to surface your spoil boards? I am using a porter cable router that can only accept up to 1/4" shanks. Also do you simply jog your cutter across and back to obtain a level surface or is there a simple program that will do the job?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Terry

[Michael In Cali]

I used a 1/4" router bit because that is what I had. A fly-cutter would be better, but finding one in 1/4" shaft is problematic and likely expensive.

I made a simple rectangle part the size of my working area and used that as a surface for my CNC software to surface. I forget the specifics of how I did that though.

[jckstrthmghty]

Try using the largest dado router bit you can find for 1/4". I'm sure you can get one super cheap on ebay. You just need to create a pocketing tool path the size of your spoil board. I use Cut2d which makes creating the tool path super easy. It's an easy shape so you could program the tool path manually.

[skylanehku]

Thanks for the replies, I thought this was the way to go. I have made flycutters for my Sherline mill so should be able to make one with 1/4 shaft.
Terry

[keebler303]

Thanks for the replies, I thought this was the way to go. I have made flycutters for my Sherline mill so should be able to make one with 1/4 shaft.
Terry

I would advise against doing that. A Sherline at 2000 RPM and a router at 20,000 RPM will behave very differently with an unbalanced tool in the spindle. I'd guess something is going to go flying.

You can get a 3/4" cutter with 1/4" shank here: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5724

Matt

[skylanehku]

Thanks Matt I will get one.
Terry