Hi All,
I’ve been reading a few articles on the topic, but I wanted to get a consensus for what would work best for our space. I’m wondering if it would be advantageous to invest in a down-cut or compression end mill if I’m planning on making something that requires a finished surface on both sides of the workpiece.
A downcut would obviously give a better finish on the top of the workpiece, but I’m wondering if this would create issues with chip extraction, not to mention some potential tear-out on the bottom of the piece.
A compression end mill would have a portion of the bit up-cutting on the bottom of the workpiece and downcutting on the top, but if my tool paths are plunging in 1/8" increments, it would potentially tear out on the top, as it would be cutting with the up-cut portion of the mill. I think the only scenario where this would make sense is if the machine were able to do a full depth cut in a single pass. Is this a possibility the PA 1000? Is it recommended with the right cutter?
In my mind the best approach would be to do a tool change starting with a downcut bit on the first pass on the top of the workpiece and switching to an up-cut bit for the subsequent passes for the cutter path.
Oh - I should probably mention that this would be cutting plywood, most likely baltic birch or a finished veneer on both sides.
What advice do you all have?
Thanks!
Luke