cutting laminate

[darren m harvey]

has anybody cut laminate on their router? if so what bit or bits did you use and at what speed. thanks, Darren

[Ryan Hochgesang]

Hi Darren,

You can go to Thermwood's woodworkers whole sale site to see compression tools as well as other types:

http://www.woodworkerswholesale.com/

Typically a compression tool is used for cutting laminates to help reduce chip out. The Compression tool has both an up and down spiral on it which pull chips to the center. You will need to be careful with this type of tool, be sure not to perform frequent plunge operations, such as in a drilling scenario. Frequent direct plunge operations can cause the bit to heat up and potentially cause a fire. If you will have frequent plunge operations, such as in a drilling routine, then it is best to use an up spiral type tool.

As for feeds and speeds, you will have to work with this some for your particular material, but if you have good hold down you should be able to start with a spindle speed of 18000 RPM and cut feed speeds of approx. 500 - 600 IPM.

[Will Williamson]

You need to clarify are you cutting just the laminate 1/16 or 1/32 or is the laminate glued to a substrate

[Ryan Hochgesang]

Yes, Will has a good point that I didn't consider. I was assuming that your cutting sheet goods with a 1/2 - 3/4" thickness that had been laminated on either side.

[darren m harvey]

thanks for the reply guys. and yes it's laminate.

[Will Williamson]

I would use a 1/8 down spiral single flute. buy a half dozen , and start at 300 IPM and then experiment, run it up till you break a cutter and then back it off 50 IPM

[Terry Davis]

We cut laminate all the time, face down with a 3/16 down spiral so that the bit don't lift the laminate.