Cutting 3/4" Plywood

[haley]

Im starting a project with 3/4" Plywood, Has anyone used a normal 2-flute endmill to cut plywood with the Power Route? Trying to figure out if I need to purchase a specific type of end mill for plywood. 

[James@fireaxe]

A up cut end mill could cause tearout on the top section of the board, leaving a rough edge and splinters or fringe but a nice smooth bottom floor. A down cut will preserve the top edge with a nice finish and a semi rough bottom end. You could use a up/down bit that has best of both worlds. You will have to plunge it deep enough to engage the down cut section of the bit.

There are many good vendors to choose from when buying end mills. I get most of mine at www.2Linc.com . 

[Big Man Black T-Shirt(Patrick)]

I agree, either will work. I prefer downcut as there is less cleanup to do afterwards, although you have to be careful with contours because the bit is shoving all the chips down into the cut, just keep it cleaned out via air or vacuum and you should be OK. Upcut is easier in this regard but you'll have tearout and lots of fuzzies to sand off.

[freik]

Up-down bits are also called compression bits. I've cut a few pieces of plywood with my PowerRoute. A compression bit, with a cut depth of about double the lower "up cut" portion of the bit leaves a very nice finish.