What is a Compression Router Bit
Compression bits are used for cutting double side laminates such as melamine or plywood. These tools can also be used on natural woods where a clean cut on both the top and bottom is needed.
A dedicated up or downcut spiral may only give a good finish on one side of the material. Where both sides of the material require the best possible finish, a compression bit is your best solution.
What is a Down-cut Router Bit
Down-cut bits are widely used spiral bits For Dado cuts in sheet goods and cutting hardwoods. Since they push the chip down/away from the tool, they create zero tearout on the collet side of your material. They’re great for cutting grooves with super crisp edges, especially in tearout-prone materials like highly figured wood, plywood, and other veneers.
What is a Upcut Spiral
Upcut spiral bits are a very popular type of spiral fluted tool. Use these for grooving or slotting, for upward chip evacuation and best finish on the bottom side of the part. These bits allow for faster cuts since the tool clears the chips away from the material.
When should I change my Collet?
Think of the collet as brakes on a car. They take a lot of abuse and must be changed at proper intervals to maintain good tool life and to minimize damage to spindle bearings. Replace collets every 400-600 machining hours or 2-3 times a year if running production, 6-8 hours a day.