Cutting Bit

[Mike1]

I was wondering if someone could check out this link; http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/Pag...68,69435,46171 I will be using the bit to cut the TREX pattern for my grandson for Christmas and not sure if it will be Ok or not. This store is within driving distance from home and I will be in Ottawa tomorrow. If it is I could be carving by the first of the week. Thank you.
Mike

[bergerud]

I would not go with a 1/4" cutting bit. I think you need a bit like the Freud 75-101 - Up Spiral. It should be locally available.

[Mike1]

Bergerud thank you for your reply. I have tried the Home Depots, Lowes and Lee Valley in my area as well across the border (USA) in my area as I live in a border town and I cannot find that bit. Any ideas, thank you.?
Mike

[bergerud]

There are also similar 1/8" cutting bits (with 1/2" length of cut) which seem to be more available. You could use those. You would just have to change the bit in the T Rex mpc's from the 3/16" to the 1/8". (With only 1/2" length of cut, these are hard to break.)

[Mike1]

Thank you. I will search these out and let you know.

[FWMiller]

I've been buying one of these made by Whiteside from Amazon. Pretty inexpensive and works great cutting 1/2 in Baltic birch plywood.

[Mike1]

*There are also similar 1/8" cutting bits (with 1/2" length of cut) which seem to be more available. You could use those. You would just have to change the bit in the T Rex mpc's from the 3/16" to the 1/8". (With only 1/2" length of cut, these are hard to break.) 8
Bergerud
I purchased the 1/8" x 1/2" up cut bit. Is there a special way to place it in my split collett? With only a 1/16" difference between the recommended bit and this one, does this mean I may just end up sanding a bit more at the contact points? Thank you.
Mike

[bergerud]

You will have to change the cutting bit from 3/16" to 1/8" in the T Rex mpc. For each of the cut-out curves in the mpc, the bit in the cut-out control dialog has to be changed from 3/16" to 1/8". Then the cutouts will be the right size.

I would use some blue loctite on the bit if you use it in a split collet. (Ideally, one could use a CT press on adapter from and old broken bit. Press out the old bit and press in your new bit. Heat from a propane torch makes it really easy.)

[Mike1]

Thanks for the information everyone. It is nice to know that there are other ways to do a carve if you are stuck. Have to step out of the box sometimes. That's what I love about wood.