1/4 ball tip for cut through

[johnsonswamp]

Can the 1/4 ball tip be used for a slot through 3/4" stock? If so, 1/8 or 1/4" max pass? Have a quick project my uncle asked for, and it needs a straight, 11"x1/4" slot through the board as a rod guide. I would use the 1/8th but cutting with a side load on bit is bad on it, right?

[fwharris]

Is that the 1/4" carving bit or the 1/4" ball nose that comes with the bit set? With either it would be a good idea to do shallow passes at either pass you stated.

[johnsonswamp]

The ball nose bit, have had it for years and never used. Do you think it will do OK?

[RogerB]

No the ball nose will not work. The cutting carbide is for a spoon like groove .Mostly used for fluting . Posts, columns. etc.Not safe.

[DickB]

I would use the 1/8th but cutting with a side load on bit is bad on it, right?I use the 1/8" bit to make cutouts all the time. I also carve deep pockets and finish the sides with the 1/8" bit to get 90 degree sides, not tapered like the carving bit. I see no reason not to use the 1/8" cutting bit for what you want to do. I set max pass depth to .25 and have cut pine, mahogany, oak, maple, and hic=kory no problem.

[Dan-Woodman]

I'd use the 1/4" ballnose bit as long as the cutting flutes are deep enough to go through your material or if you have a straight 1/4" cutting bit that's long enough use that. 1/4 per pass . These two bits can be bought most anywhere bits are sold or ordered online for $6.00-$10.00 as opposed to $40.00 for the 1/8" CW cutting bit. Use the 1/4" ballnose bit program since there is no 1/4" straight bit program.
Just my 2 cents.