Hi all,
Today I put a speed controller on my router and set the speed as low as it will go. Cutting softer plastic at .08" per pass was easier than ever. I am using a 1/16 solid carbide Onsrud upcut bit made for plastic. I had no problems with melting or material gumming onto the bit.
My machine is very slow (9-10 IPM) and I know that's a problem. I have new hardware on the way and will soon be up to at least 70 IPM. Using my current configuration I was still unable to make cuts on plexiglass (from HomeDepot) without almost instant melting and gumming of material onto the bit. Will the faster feed rate on the new machine really improve the cutting of plexi to the point where I wont have this issue?
I had made a more succesful cut at higher bit speeds a few days back by using a spray of water mist onto the bit while cutting. While this did help some it seemed as though it possibly had a negative effect on the bit, maybe rapid heating/cooling made it even more brittle (solid carbide). It broke while making a slow, shallow, straight cut. I can't afford to keep breaking these bits at $20+ each.
It will be about a week until I can assemble the new machine and make test cuts at the higher feed rates. I am anxious but leary of getting my hopes up that this will put an end to my problems cutting plexi. I wanted to know what you all thought..
thanks,
Buddy
Tampa,FL