If an upcut gives you a great bottom finish and a down cut a great top finish, why not have both with a compression cutter! A compression cutter starts with an up cut component usually the length of the diameter (e.g. ⅛” has a ⅛” up cut component and the rest to down cut) so get the full benefit of the cutter, your first plunge must go below that length (e.g. ⅛” or more). Compression cutters like to run a bit faster than other wood cutting bit to get the best finish along the side of your material.
These are 3 flute cutters and are the go to for furniture and cabinetry makers. Being 3 flute you need to feed at 50% faster than a 2 flute or 33% slower on your router. Do not use these bits to drill holes or start a profile cut with a straight plunge. Use a ramp in to ensure the longevity of the end mill. Best to use these on CNCs that can handle fast feed rates or else you will risk burning your bit (usual signs are blackening on the cutter tip).
Suitable for
- Laminate
- Melamine Particle Board
- MDF/HDF
- Veneered Plywood
- Softwood
Not advisable
- Hardwoods
Adam’s Tips
Albeit compression bits are primarily used for slot cutting, you can still profile cut as long as you go past the up cut component. This will give you both a perfect bottom and top finish.
| Feeds and Speeds - 3 Flute Compression mm per minute |
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| Wood | ||
| Item Code | Description | Soft |
| 3.175-CM-3F-17 | 3.175mm x 3.175mm x 17mm 3F | 6,400 |
| 3.175-CM-3F-22 | 3.175mm x 3.175mm x 22mm 3F | 5,100 |
| 4-4-CM-3F-22 | 4mm x 4mm x 22mm 3F | 7,950 |
| 6-6-CM-3F-22 | 6mm x 6mm x 22mm 3F | 19,750 |
| 6-6-CM-3F-32 | 6mm x 6mm x 32mm 3F | 12,600 |
| 8-8-CM-3F-32 | 8mm x 8mm x 32mm 3F | 27,900 |
| 10-10-CM-3F-45 | 10mm x 10mm x 45mm 3F | 32,300 |
| 12-12-CM-3F-35 | 12mm x 12mm x 35mm 3F | 100,700 |
| 12-12-CM-3F-45 | 12mm x 12mm x 45mm 3F | 64,300 |
| 12.7-12.7-CM-3F-31.75 | 12.7mm x 12.7mm x 31.75mm 3F | 147,250 |
| Revolutions per minute 16,000RPM | ||
| 100% width per cut slotting | ||
| Depth per cut Diameter x 1 | ||
