Hey you acrylic junkies....help me with picking a bit(s) for my new router

einsteins · #1 12/27/2006, 03:24 PM

Hi all...

Happy Holidays

My Wife got me a 1 3/4 hp skil router and table for xmas...Now I need to know what bits to buy so I can start to learn how to work with acrylic.

Thanks for the help!

einsteins

xenon · #2 12/27/2006, 04:26 PM

Laminate Trimming Bit. 3/8"x1" cutting bit 1/4" shank to make the teeth for the refugium.

Cut them 1.5" deep.

scbadiver · #3 12/27/2006, 04:51 PM

Get good quality carbide bits. Steel wont hold up and cheap ones, well, you get what you pay for. A spiral cut bit leaves an edge perfect and ready for glueing.

einsteins · #4 12/27/2006, 11:36 PM

Thanks Guys....

Any suggestions on any online sources with good pricing on carbide bits?

Would the 3/8x1" with 1/4" shank be the spiral cut?

Thanks again...

einsteins

sdodgen · #5 12/27/2006, 11:39 PM

no spiral cut, ebay or home depot

einsteins · #6 12/27/2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scbadiver
Get good quality carbide bits. Steel wont hold up and cheap ones, well, you get what you pay for. A spiral cut bit leaves an edge perfect and ready for glueing.

So this is not accurate and I should not get spiral cut bit?

Sorry...I am new to this

einsteins

sdodgen · #7 12/27/2006, 11:50 PM

i used straight cutters for mine take a look at it. im a carpenter, i use same bits i use for wood

sdodgen · #8 12/27/2006, 11:52 PM

here is the link to one http://noebaylinks.com/1-pc-1-4-SH-1...QQcmdZViewItem

Shannonsreef · #9 12/28/2006, 12:27 AM

Spiral upcut bits work the best far less chatter and a cleaner cut, I use Freud brand.

Shannonsreef · #10 12/28/2006, 12:29 AM

Here's a link for the spiral bits.

http://www.freudtools.com/woodworker.../Spiral_1.html

sdodgen · #11 12/28/2006, 12:40 AM

i guess, have no luck with freud bits or blades, user preference i guess

hurleycr · #12 12/28/2006, 01:18 AM

I literally just finsihed building my sump which was designed from Melev site. With a few alterations on going of course.

I used Bosch 3/8" Laminate Trim bit to trim the edges off, and to make general cuts or what I like to call "oops I screwed up" cuts the spiral up cut bit works like a charm, I first tried using a general 3/8" straight bit, and it wanted to kick back a lot and chipped the acrylic. So I went to the spiral up cut bit and perfect level surface.

The spiral bit is also helpful if cutting circles it cuts effortlessly.

Just so you know, you MUST use a quality bit, don't waste the money on a cheap 10 dollar bit, and it needs to be Carbide. Otherwise you may or may not get it cut. Meaning if you have a bunch of cuts your going to wear the bit out QUICK and it will start chipping the acrylic. Also the, I'm not 100% on this but I think the Carbide bits cool better make it cut the acrylic and not melt it leaving it chipped and hard to glue.

I've been working on mine since Christmas Eve and just finished the sump portion. I'm finishing the Kalk reactor tommrow, and will be finishing the refugium and water container that will be attached to the sump later.

Just got a new Skimmer for Christmas which meant my first sump I built has to go... oh well.....new toys for me....

hurleycr · #13 12/28/2006, 01:19 AM

also, I looked online for a supplier but by the time you pay shipping its the same as Depot or Lowes.

rivdog · #14 12/28/2006, 04:18 AM

I believe that the spiral up cut bit clears the cutting area of debris. Therefore resulting in a cleaner joint

hurleycr · #15 12/28/2006, 09:42 AM

could be that..... I know that it free cuts very well....

einsteins · #16 12/29/2006, 07:03 PM

Anyone else have a suggestion for an online retailer for these spiral upcut bits?

Thanks again
einsteins