Straight router cutting bit 3/8inch shank

ey_up

Hi all,

Please excuse my lack of knowledge in this area but I have been asked to source a 3/8 inch (9.5mm) shank, straight cutter with a cutting length of no less that 40mm. I have had a look around and either I am missing something or cutters and this length are rare. I've seen them in 1/2 inch.

Does anyone have any experience and could suggest whether such exist and where to find them?

thanks

leveller2911

You may struggle to get 40mm depth of cut with a 3/8 shank.The reason being cutting full depth with a shank of less than 1/2" can be a bit dangerous, the cutters can resonate and even snap..Wealden tools do one that has a 38mm depth of cut.

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_3_8__shank_239.html


Most cutters have a mark on the shank which shows how far you should insert the cutter into the router arbor.My advice would be insert the router cutter to the mark.Then do shallow passes over the workpiece lowering the depth on each pass.When your at the max depth of 38mm just loosen the cutter and pull the cutter out by 3mm, tighten again and do the final pass.

Never router to the full depth in one pass as this can ruin the workpiece and possibly break the cutter.

ey_up

Thanks leveller. I was guessing it would be something along those lines. May be better to hire a 1/2 inch jig for the weekend unless I can find someone to borrow one off!

leveller2911

ey_up wrote: »

Thanks leveller. I was guessing it would be something along those lines. May be better to hire a 1/2 inch jig for the weekend unless I can find someone to borrow one off!

What the cutter for? kitchen worktops?

ey_up

Aye. Its a worktop so probably not worth the risk. My father in law is a very experienced joiner come carpenter but his current router only accepts up to 3/8 inch bits which isnt appropriate. Not sure whether we take the risk or not, especially when can hire a router (or try borrow) and buy a few 1/2 inch bits.

leveller2911

ey_up wrote: »

Aye. Its a worktop so probably not worth the risk. My father in law is a very experienced joiner come carpenter but his current router only accepts up to 3/8 inch bits which isnt appropriate. Not sure whether we take the risk or not, especially when can hire a router (or try borrow) and buy a few 1/2 inch bits.

Best to hire a 1/2" router or as you say borrow one.If its a laminate worktop depending on how many joints you need to do it might be an idea to buy 2 cutters as laminates knock the edges off the cutters pretty quickly..

Good luck.