What is the difference between up spiral and down spiral router bit?

The three basic cutter configurations for spiral bits are up-cut, down-cut, and a combination of the two, known as a compression bit. A down-cut bit sends the chips downward; an up-cut bit sends them up to ward the shank. (On a router table, all direc-tions are reversed.)

What are spiral router bits used for?

They are excellent bits to use when cutting material in a router table since they tend to hold the work piece to the table itself. Ideal for mortise and tenons, grooving, slotting or routing deep blind holes. Down-cut Bits cut slower and push chips away from the router to eliminate top surface splintering.

What is the best router bit for cutting plywood?

To cut the plywood by leaving both edges clean without tearing out, use spiral compression router bits. The flutes of compression router bits which have up cut and down cut sharpness. So the flutes compress the plywood while cutting the ply from both directions.

What is the best router bit for cutting circles?

We recommend a solid-carbide upcut spiral router bit. For the Model 300 Circle Guide, use a 1/2″-dia. router bit. While you’re at it, tap out the centering disk from the Circle Guide.

What is a compression spiral router bit?

A compression bit is the combination of both upcut and downcut spirals. Typically, a compression spiral has an upcut single, double or triple flute at the tip of the cutter, approximately one third of the cutting length. When run at full depth, the bit leaves a sharp, clean edge on both sides of your workpiece.

What does a mortising router bit do?

A mortising bit with a bearing on it can be used to rout hinge mortises on a door using a hand held router with a template, and it can also be used for other template work as well. This is essentially a straight bit with a bearing on the bottom of the bit.

What is the difference between a mortising bit and a straight bit?

Mortising bits can be bought with or without a guide bearing. A mortising bit with a bearing on it can be used to rout hinge mortises on a door using a hand held router with a template, and it can also be used for other template work as well. This is essentially a straight bit with a bearing on the bottom of the bit.

Can a router cut plywood?

The good news is that you can use a router to cut plywood. However, you will need to purchase the correct bits for the task. Most carbide bits will get the job done without issue. Some species are easier to cut with a router than others.

Can a router cut through 3 4 plywood?

You cannot cut a 3/4 piece of wood in one pass – you will burn your router bit. Not to mention the noise and amount of chips far surpasses that of a jig saw.

What’s the best way to cut plywood with a circular saw?

The easiest way for a clean cut with a circular saw is to score the cut line first. Simply make your cut in two passes instead of one. This shallow scoring pass (about 1/8 inches) cleanly shears the surface fibers rather than lifting them upward.

How do you make a plunge cut in plywood?

Making a Plunge Cut Make sure the sheet is stable. Set the blade depth. Stand to the side of the saw. Position your saw for a plunge cut. Keep the underside of the blade clear. Lower the blade into the plywood.

Can a miter saw be used to cut plywood?

She said cutting boards up to 1×12 width is easy, and easy to do accurately with her miter saw, but cutting plywood is much more difficult. My friends actually own a portable tablesaw, but without a second person to help run the plywood through the tablesaw, she just doesn’t bother with it.

What’s the best way to rip a plywood sheet?

Rip cuts go WITH the grain, cross cuts go ACROSS the grain. So it looks like this on a plywood sheet. For ripping plywood sheets, I use my circular saw with my Kreg Rip Cut guide.

Which is the best way to cut plywood with a circular saw?

Next, make sure you properly orient the sheet as you’re cutting. A circular saw cuts on the up stroke. That means the blade enters the wood from below, and exits at the top. That’s where most tear out occurs. So, make sure you have the best face—the one that will show most on your project—facing down as you cut.

Can you cut plywood if blade is not aligned?

There is no trick that can save your plywood sheet if your blade isn’t aligned. Some people even suggest raising your blade all the way up to avoid tear out. We strongly advise you against doing so because you are increasing a risk of kick back and making even more damage to the plywood and yourself.

Rip cuts go WITH the grain, cross cuts go ACROSS the grain. So it looks like this on a plywood sheet. For ripping plywood sheets, I use my circular saw with my Kreg Rip Cut guide.