I’m trying to figure out upcut vs downcut bits, and I’m also trying to find out information on the Carbide cutters, but I’m getting conflicting information
I’m looking at 201 and 251. On the website it says that 201 #201 .25" Flat Cutter (Qty 2) - Carbide 3D is a 2 flute bit, and it’s clearly 3 flutes, and it doesn’t say whether it’s a downcut or upcut (I think it’s a downcut and 251 #251 .25" Downcut Flat Cutter (Qty 2) - Carbide 3D is listed as a downcut, but it looks like an upcut and exactly like freud 75-102, which is an up spiral. Is this just an error on the website or am I just super confused?
If you are making deep cuts it is better to use upcut bits to clear the chips. However that tends to leave fuzzies on the top of the material. The downcut bits pack in the sawdust so for deep grooves it is not the best. However the down cut leaves the top edges smoother. Either will work and a quick sand will remove the fuzzies. Even the down cut can still leave fuzzies on the top.
The #201 is not my favorite bit to use. I tend to use 2 flute up and down cut bits and the #201 is collecting dust in a drawer. I really like the down cut bits and use the as much as I can. The Whiteside bits work great but I recently got a 1/8" Grizzly down cut bit and really like it.