Simple operations, larger wood in search of better MRR

CNC Machines Shapeoko 5 Pro
1

I’m currently working on routing out pockets in 4x4 lumber for a 2x4. Pocket depth is 1.5" and width is 3.5". I have the default trim router on my SO5 running .1" DOC and 1/8 stepover on a 201 cutter. Even with ganging up 4 boards and 150% override from standard feeds it still takes ~2 hours of cut time for 2 pockets. Wood is Home Depot standard 4x4 pine posts.

Of course I could do these pockets on the table saw, but where is the fun in that? :slight_smile: I’d love to get higher MRR (material removal rate) out of this while staying within safety limits.

Looking for feedback from the folks out there for speeding up roughing operations:

  1. Increase DOC
  2. Keep increasing the feed rate
  3. Use a different cutter? McFly the pocket
  4. Pony up for the ER20 spindle and go from 1/4 to 1/2" cutters
  5. Other?
2

You may want to look at bits that are designed to remove material quicker such as the Hog and the Beast from IDC or the Golden Boy from CIC.

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3

Ignore defaults.

You should get a two flute carbide cutter

On the 4x4, with a .25 in bit I usually go 180-200 IPM at .25 DoC. Obviously test this before doing a high value project. And that is at full slotting cuts. If it’s not slotting, you can probably get away going a bit past .25in DoC at a full 200ipm.

4

I can’t help you with the setting for the trim router.

I canTell you with an 80mm spindle I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to use 275 ipm and 1/2” doc with a 2 flute 1/4” bit.

I would start at 200 ipm 1/4” doc with a 1 inch two flute bit.

5

My Milwaukee 5625 router will pretty easily do an inch DOC in that kind of wood with a half inch bit. I’d make a template (on the CNC, why not?) and be done with the job in a couple minutes. I know when you’ve got a really cool hammer every job looks like a nail, but resist the temptation. A trim router isn’t the right tool for the job.

I haven’t tried pushing the 2.2 kw spindle, but given the propensity of my S5P to skip steps when there is resistance to its movement I wouldn’t think it will take very aggressive bites even if the spindle is capable of it.

6

I would agree with this recommendation as I’ve got the Beast & Hog bits… They truly do chew wood & spit chips!

7

Ack. Bits first, spindle second. In the meantime I’ll play with increasing the DOC for the 201 bit and see what happens. Thanks for the great suggestions!

8

Can you add collets into the mix?

8mm (or 5/16") tooling has the potential to be quite a bit more rigid with the attendant advantages.

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Curious option. I initially goofed up and got the 8mm McFly with the result of buying a Haas 8mm ER-11 collet :slight_smile: Agreed that it would be possible to step up from 1/4 to 8mm bits with my current setup

10

Any suggestions on sources for 8mm bits ?

11

I have to say that there are are lots of wood specialty tool stores, but I can’t beat Carbide3D and Haas tooling for general purpose items. Haas tooling really stepped up their game with pricing and shipping. Now I just need to 3d print more gridfinity or shaller bins to organize the bits

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