How I Machine Without Holding Tabs - episode 165

There are times when I find it desirable to machine a piece without using holding tabs to keep all the parts in place. I started doing this 5 years ago and over time have refined the technique and defined the rules that I observe when doing this. 

The Rules!

• You must use a 1/8 or 3mm down cutting spiral router bit.
• Do not use this techniue on material thinner than 1/2" or 12mm.
• Use only on wood.
• If available use a dust shoe. If you find that the vacuum is pulling too much chipout of the slots then turn the vacuum off but leave the dust shoe in place.
• Do not do this on anything you cannot afford to remake should it suffer damage.
• If things are not cutting as expected then stop and sort it out before continuing.
• This is not a standard machining technique so use at your own risk.

I have found that following these simple rules have worked well for me over the years.


Where did I get the cutters for this project?
The cutter I used were purchased from this supplier on Ebay
http://ebay.to/2xienoR


Other ebay suppliers of 1/8" down cutting bits.
http://ebay.to/2zfwxYY


They are 1/8" in diameter single flute down cutting spiral bits.
The length of the cutting edger is 10mm ( 3/8") but anything similar eg 12mm(1/2") cutting edge would work just as well. There is little point having a longer cutting edge unless you are looking to cut your material in one pass. The flute area is weaker than the main shaft so a longer flute just weakens the cutter in my opinion. In fact since I do not cut more than 1/8th per pass any flute longer than 1/4" is a waste.

Cheers
Peter