Question for using 1/4 inch bits on projects

Projects
1

I want to use a 1/4 cutting diameter bit on some plywood to cut out a reindeer. Easel said it would take five and half hours to cut out with their recommended settings. The cut depth pass was 0.028. Can I have it cut at 0.125 and have it be safe/ not ruin the piece?

2

Easel speed values do not factor in the bit diameter.

Try a small test piece at 50ipm feed rate, 20ipm plunge rate and keep the 0.028 depth per cut. Increase if seen fit :slight_smile:

3

Thanks

4

0.028 is way too shallow for a 1/4” bit.

You should be going at least 0.0625 if not 0.08.

If it’s pine plywood, go up to 0.125. If it’s hardwood plywood, don’t go above 0.08.

I recently did some birch plywood using a 1/8” straightbit. 0.0625 DOC and 100 ipm. If I was using a 1/4” straight, I’d be running at 120 ipm and 0.125” DOC but that’s something I’m comfortable doing and if it’s cutting bad or has a problem I’d either stop the carve or adjust the feed rate on the fly.

2 Likes
5

JustinBusby, How do you adjust the feed rate on the fly??

6

GRBL v1.1f added it and Easel now supports it.

I use UGS so I do it through there.

1 Like
7

Thanks

8

I do a lot of the bettle kill pine here in Colorado for signs what do you recommend for 1/4 bits for cut settings? I think the factory settings are to slow and need to speed it up