[cmjohnson]

I have completely replaced every standard type router bit (both HSS and what the woodworking industry calls a "carbide" bit) with 2 flute uncoated carbide end mills.
I prefer the Ultratool brand.

They outperform any regular router bit you've ever seen, by a huge margin. I will never,
ever go back to using mere router bits when the cutter shape I need is available in a
2 flute carbide end mill.

The woodworking industry is starting to understand this. They are adopting end mills
and end mill derived cutter designs as the high performance cutter option.

Stick a good 2 flute carbide end mill in your router and start routing a project and you won't believe how easily it removes wood, and the finish it leaves is very clean. It cuts
so easily you will wonder if you forgot to install a cutter.


CJ

[Boltz]

Did you also try 4 flute? I agree that in my wood cutting experience so far solid carbide bits from top manufacturers like Onsrud and Amana have provided superior performance. I don't try to pinch pennies on tires either!

The only reason I ask is that I stumbled upon a discussion yesterday that was talking about the effect of moisture content on machinability of maple, and somebody claimed that a freshly sharpened HSS tool cut cleaner than carbide at first, but (obviously) not for long. Another point mentioned was that tearout and tool wear increases at moisture content below about 7%.

I'll find it all out as I go along, but one thing I know for sure is that the first time I load up a beautiful piece of bird's eye like you used for that guitar I'm gonna have to take a deep breath before I press cycle start!

-Jim Hart