Cut Bit Breaking

[raminater]

I am carving the Eagle Clock project. The carving went fine, but when the machine was cutting the project out, it broke a 1/8" cutting bit. I ordered a new bit, isstalled it and proceded to finish the cut. Within 1" of the cutting the new bit broke. I am carving a piece of 3/4"x12"x26" oak. There are no imperfections in the wood. I am running version 1.132. I have called LHR Tech, and have E-mailed and sent pictures, but got no answer from them.
Has anyone else had this problem, or can anyone help with this problem. This machine should be capable of carving all types of hard wood.

Thank in advance
Raminater (Terry)

[cnsranch]

I'm not familiar with the project, but I no longer set a cut out at more than .25" per pass. 3/4" of oak in one pass would make me real nervous (I broke one doing a single pass on 3/4" ash - that was enough for me).

[Norman Griffiths]

I just completed the same project in oak with no problems of that type,however after the clock front carve time of over 6 hours the carving bit stuck in the chuck and needed some WD40 to loosen it up., a little cleaning and was ready for the back section cut. Norm

[Rick P]

Terry - I had the same problem with the 1/8" cutting bit.

I firmly believe the CW, QC, bit adapter and 1/8" cutting bit all working together CANNOT consistently perform a one pass cutout operation in 3/4 inch thick oak or other hardwoods.
It would take a better mechanical engineer (with lots of free time) than I am to prove what I stated.
Set the Max Depth for cutouts at .25 inches or even less for hardwoods like oak, maple and ash. Just my suggestion based on my experience with my particular CW machine.

[Rick P]

Norman - I hope you inspected your bit adapter VERY closely once you finally got your carving bit removed from the QC. If the adapter has the infamous "3 dimples" worn into it, I would not use it anymore. Maybe you are well aware of this particular wear pattern in the adapters, but in case you are not aware please inspect your adapter carefully.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Masking Tape is your Friend.... Seriously..... The Smoothness of the oak at the Brass Roller is your problem IN MY OPINION.... The brass roller slipping gives the X high Torque Drive a chance to jerk the board and SNAP the bit....

There are plenty of NAY Sayers on the Masking Tape but try it and find it gives the X Brass Roller something to bit into. In feed out feed tables letting the board droop can let the brass roller loose contact too.

Don't forget to read Tips and Tricks.

AL