Hey all, I’m dialing in my bit selection for two materials and could use input from folks who’ve been cutting these regularly.
¾" plywood:
-General cutting (profiles, perimeter cuts, straightforward shapes) for clean edges with minimum tearout?
-Detailed inner cut work (intricate inside geometry)
ACM (aluminum composite panel):
-General cutting- bit / flute geometry for clean edges without gumming up?
-Detailed inner cut work- same question, but for the fine stuff where a larger bit won’t hold the detail.
Anything is helpful:
-Bit diameter and type (compression, upcut, downcut, straight, O-flute, etc.)
-Flute count
-Any feed/speed or DOC starting points you’ve found that work on the Maslow specifically
For ACM, I’ve had the best success with a 1/8” single flute up-cut bit. Good for profile operations.
When cutting ACM, I keep my router setting at either 1 or 2 in the dewalt, faster feed rate, and multiple passes. The gumming up is the inner plastic melting. The upcut will help pull the shavings out, and the faster movement will help keep the router from melting.
Definitely consider a vacuum attachment, but beware of static build up. During ACM and MDF cuts, static would buildup in the hose from the static up the shavings/dust being sucked up, and then short out our Maslow mid run, resetting it. The solution was an anti-static vacuum hose.