Feed and speed for profiling with 1/8 inch bit.

[lockeb]

I want to use a 1/8 bit to cut out profiles in a design that is actually a scroll saw project. My reason is to get sharper detail. I haven't been down this path before. Could I get some guidance on feed rate and RPMs so I don't break as many bits? If I am successful with this I want to cut one that has the cut outs with overlapping vcarve letters. Thanks

[Bob]

I use the following settings for signs with words on top of words:

I just use the highest rpms on the Colt router.

For a profile, go deeper and use tabs. Or, use thinner material and use tabs.
Bob

[lockeb]

i want to cut through with one set of letters and vcarve the others. Something like these I saw on Pinterest. I would like to use some 1/2 or 3/4 inch maple if possible.

[lockeb]

I have a mako and the 1/8 bits I have now are CMT 1/4 shank . One up cut and one down. Do you reccomend a different bit?

[milo30]

When choosing a bit, make sure that it is long enough to go through the material and a small enough diameter to cut all the way into the corner areas with the size font that you are using. I've used the 1/8" bits quite a bit in a colt router and never had one break. I think that I ran the rpm's at about half speed and the feed at around 40-50ipm. You also want to have a lower plunge rate and ramp it into the cut if possible. I'd suggest trying it on a scrap board setting it at around 40ipm then speeding it up until you find the sweet spot. Doing it that way, you shouldn't break any bits.

On the actual work piece, I'd vcarve first.

[Bob]

i want to cut through with one set of letters and vcarve the others. Something like these I saw on Pinterest. I would like to use some 1/2 or 3/4 inch maple if possible.

Nice project.
Due to the diameter of the bit, I would use .5 or less in wood thickness.
Bob

...And, what Milo said.

[Bob]

I have a mako and the 1/8 bits I have now are CMT 1/4 shank . One up cut and one down. Do you reccomend a different bit?

For cutting maple I would use the up cut.
A down cut protects the top surface of the wood from splintering. If you were cutting plywood, down cut would be a good bit to start and finsh cutting with an up cut.
Maple is a pretty solid wood and not prone to splintering, so upcut would be fine.
Bob

[Bob]

That design looks simple, but I really had to keep re-thinking the process as I went.

Bob

[tonydude]

You mean like this?

Tony

[Bob]

Yup.
It's one of those projects you have to do in order to fully appreciate the effort.
Nice job!
Bob