Basic Router Questions.

[Chris123]

Hi, just joined, I'm normally into metal work more, but I've been asked to make some basic parts out of wood that would require the use of a router.
I have some (probably) basic questions:

Spindle speed seems to be very high, around 10,000 rpm, what is the purpose of this, to get a better cut or just to get the work done quicker?

What is the feed rate using a router? For example with a basic radius on the edge of a piece of wood of say 6mm, how long would it take to do one side of a 50cm long piece?

Does proper wood give a better finish than MDF?

Thanks!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I would do a 6mm round over at full speed - 28,000rpm on a small router. This gives a perfect cut in most materials. 3 or 4 seconds? I've never timed it. MDF machines well, but is horrible stuff. Be wary of the dust.

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the forum.

As Phil says, but I would suggest that you have a look here for lots of excellent tips.

Neil

 

[Chris123]

Thanks, I'm currently doing it on a milling machine at 1000rpm spindle speed and 52mm/minute travel.
I can obviously do it a lot faster on a router table then!

 

[andersonec]

You will find the feed rate is not an exact science because woods differ BUT,,,, if you feed the timber too slow the cutter will leave dark burn marks which are a swine to remove, have a piece of scrap with which to practice to find the right feed rate, somewhere between a fine smooth cut and no burn marks is what you are trying to achieve, start slow and speed up until you have no burn marks.

Make sure you are cutting in the right direction that is to say , against the direction of the cut of the cutter and not with it, so with the cutter rotating clockwise you would move the router anti clockwise around the timber but on a internal cut, say a cut out for a sink, you would move the router in a clockwise direction.

Andy

 

[porker]

Chris, I'll guess you will know the direction as 'conventional' rather than 'climb' milling in a metal context. I would agree that it is best to have a practice on some scrap as a 1/2" router can be a bit of a beast when its spinning and you need a stable working environment. The thing that always trips me up is the cable catching on something so I always go round without power to check the machine will go round the job.