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Thread: Flush trim aluminum router bit

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Snohomish, Washington
    Posts
    54

    Flush trim aluminum router bit

    I can't seem to find the answer to this question. Can you use a good quality aluminum router bit on wood. What is the difference between the
    two? Are the flutes more shallow and won't clear the wood? I've searched for an hour on the web and haven't come up with anything. This should be a simple question for someone that know. One thing I should add is that it's spiral upcut solid carbide 1/4" bit
    Pat
    Last edited by "Patrick G Rainsberger"; 05-07-2015 at 9:09 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Northwestern Connecticut
    Posts
    7,149
    I don't see any problem using a bit made for aluminum on wood. We have a pile of flush trim bits that were bought and used to trim aluminum laminate sheeting. Bits intended for wood don't fair well on the aluminum but those meant for aluminum seem to do fine in wood. I think the helix angle is optimized to give the longest life possible in metal, maybe different carbide? But wood is relatively easy to machine and almost anything will cut it.
    "A good miter set up is like yoga pants: it makes everyone's butts look good." Prashun Patel

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Snohomish, Washington
    Posts
    54
    Thanks Peter,

    That should end my endless google searches for this information.
    Pat

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Bloomington, IL
    Posts
    6,009
    I use O flute for alum and 2 flute for wood. What are you calling a bit for aluminum?
    Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    E TN, near Knoxville
    Posts
    12,298
    We use a variety of end mills made for steel, brass, and aluminum to mill hardwoods, plastic, etc.

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