Spiral upcut bits

[knappers]

I have read on here that spiral upcut bits are excellent for routing mortices, and even for edge trimming also. I thought I would take a look on Axminster's shelf whilst I was in there the other day, and nearly choked at the price.
As a guy that works for a machine tool manufacturer (metal, not wood), they just look like a plain shank slot drill to me. Unfortunately, we threw all our imperial bits out when moving to a new factory, so we haven't any lying around. Can anybody recommend a good (cheap) supply of a spiral bit / slot drill I guess in 1/2" size?

Thanks

Si.

 

[Chems]

Try here. Wealdon tools, very good but still expensive for large sized cutters.

 

[cutting solutions]

Though wealdon say they can be used in fixed head machines they are primarily designed for CNC machines and as they say the main reason for wear is insufficient feed rates.

 

[Benchwayze]

Hi knappers.

Expensive indeed, but if you don't mind using the guide fence on your router, don't forget a 1/2" bit can be used to cut wider mortices. It just means an extra stage in the cutting.

I get by with a 1/4 inch and a 1/2" cutter. (Admittedly, I don't often make Canal Lock Gates, so my mortices tend to be around 1/2" at the most!) :mrgreen:

But these cutters do make superb job of mortices. And Wealdens, whilst not cheap, are still economical. Looked after and used as advised, a cutter lasts a long time.

Best of Luck

John

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Try Ebay in America they are still imperial and have loads of slot drills cheap.
I find they they work well in wood.


Pete

 

[SVB]

If you have access to metric sizes you may find a metric collect for your router worthwhile.

I know trend do 6 / 8 & 12 mm collets as well as the UK standards.

I use a metal cutting 8mm bit a lot for this type of work. Solid carbide so holds its edge forever and no real problem making a couple of passes for wider slots.

Not too expensive either as used extensively in CNC arena.

Simon

 

[knappers]

I have a 6mm collet for my router (triton), but figured I needed a bigger cutter. Will have a hunt around at work and see what I find...

Si.

 

[Shrubby]

Si
I've used 8mm spirals for finger jointing Birch ply a lot
They came from R.S. components a while ago
made in usa by M.A.Ford - they currently list dormer brand cutters
Matt

 

[mailee]

I use the 1/2" spiral cutters from Wealdon and have found them great. Yes they are expensive but being solid carbide they last a long time. I am only on my second cutter after about three years of using them. :wink:

 

[jasonB]

The cutters for wood usually have different cutting angle sto slot drills/end mills.

But a good source for cheap HSS or solid carbide milling tooling is Richon These also have the advantage of plain shanks rather than threaded so better suited to collets.