Surfacing epoxy

How To
1

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Hey guys,

I’m surfacing a 47" × 31" × 2-3/4" red cedar/epoxy table using a Bitstak 1-3/8" surfacing bit (1/4" shank) with carbide inserts.

The inserts cut great after I rotate them, but only for about 3/4 of a surfacing pass before the cutter starts burning the cedar again. It has no problem in the cedar itself, but the epoxy really bogs it down, and sometimes it slows enough that I have to manage the feed rate throughout the cut.

Original settings:

  • 18,000 RPM
  • 60% stepover
  • 0.0425" depth per pass
  • 80 IPM feed
  • 30 IPM plunge

Based on what I’ve been reading, I’m going to test:

New settings:

  • 12,000 RPM
  • 50% stepover
  • 0.0425" depth per pass
  • 80 IPM feed
  • 30 IPM plunge

Any tips? TIA

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2

I run my 1 1/2" planar bit at 8000 rpm, 180 IPM, and don’t usually take more than 0.020" at a time.

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3

@33create

Agree with Tod, slow the bit down and take less of a depth of cut as he suggests. High speed rpm’s with surfacing bits creates allot of heat which your seeing, especially when you throw in taking off epoxy as well.

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