Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
mdf vs 2 flute vs 3 flute
Pat Evans
>My handheld router with a 2 flute straight cut carbide bit does a fine job on mdf. However, using a 3 flute straight cut carbide bit in my router table doesn't work as well. The cut isn't as agressive, and it tends to smoke and burn the bit. Shouldn't a 3 flute cut better than a 2 flute? Both bits are little used and reasonably sharp.
Re: mdf vs 2 flute vs 3 flute
RobV
>My guess is that the 2 flute design is giving the chips more time to clear ... by thats just a guess.
Need more info
Keith Newton
>Are they the same diameter, and what about tooth geometry. How much power does your router have?
Generally speaking though. Three wing router bits will have less hook angle, and a wider sharpness angle than a two wing. If everything was the same, geometry , the three wing would need 50% more power, and should be fed that much faster. Less hook and sharpness angle also requires more power, so I would suggest that you stick with 2 wing bits.
2 flute vs 3 flute
Bill Hylton
>In general, as the number of cutting edges increases, the cut finish improves while the feed rate decreases. A single-flute straight should cut very aggressively, but it leaves a rougher finish. A 3-flute bit gives you a good finish, but cuts more slowly. The 2-flute config is the compromise.
If your bit is smokin', you may well have cooked it.
Bill
Re: 2 flute vs 3 flute
Pat Evans
>Thanks Bill. So much for manufacturers hype about 3 flutes cutting faster. I just went and bought a new 2 flute flush trim bit. Looked at the new spiral cut flush trim bit, but at $100 just couldn't bring myself to buy it.