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CNC Router Bits

All Powell Shop CNC router bits can be used with any CNC (computer numerical control) routers. 

Solid Carbide Tools

Carbide is a compound made up of carbon and one or more metallic elements, such as tungsten, titanium, or cobalt. It is a very hard and durable material, which makes it ideal for use in cutting tools that are designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures.

Solid Carbide tools produce the best edge quality at the fastest feed rates possible with any type of routing tools. They are preferred over traditional high-speed steel tools because of their superior performance and longer life.

Carbide router drill bits can be used with ACM, Acrylic, foam, phenolic, rubber, as well as various types of wood and plastics. Carbide router bits can also be used for cutting and shaping some metals, including aluminium, brass, and copper. However, it's important to note that using carbide router bits with metals can be challenging, as the heat generated by the cutting process can cause the carbide to break down quickly.

Upcut Router Bits

Upcut router bits are a type of cutting tool used in woodworking and other applications to remove material from a workpiece. As the name suggests, they pull the waste material up and away from the cutting edge as they work, which can help reduce the risk of tear-out and produce a cleaner cut. 

They typically have a spiral or helical flute design, which helps evacuate chips and debris from the cut as it is being made. This design also allows the bit to cut more efficiently and with less heat build-up, which can help extend the life of the cutter.

 Upcut router bits are commonly used for cutting and shaping wood, particularly for jobs that require deep cuts or where the wood grain is likely to cause tear-out. They are also used in the machining of plastic and composite materials, as well as for engraving and routing of aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.

 It's important to note that upcut router bits can cause the workpiece to move or lift slightly during the cutting process, particularly when working with thinner materials. For this reason, it's important to use proper clamping and support techniques to ensure the workpiece remains securely in place.

Downcut Router Bits

Downcut router bits are used in woodworking and other applications to remove material from a workpiece. Unlike upcut router bits, downcut router bits push the waste material down and towards the bottom of the cut as they work. This can help prevent tear-out and produce a smoother, cleaner cut on the top surface of the workpiece.

A downcut router bit is normally used for cutting grooves, forming a crisp edge around the hole. It does not clear chips as effectively as an upcut router bit however, their downcut geometry pushes wood fibres down into the cut, leaving a cleaner top surface on your workpiece with minimal damage. Downcut bits do require a slower feed rate and a smaller depth of cut is preferable. It therefore requires attention to avoid the bit to overheat and consequently break. These cutters are more regularly utilised for making smaller cuts rather than deep grooves. 

Compression Spirals

Compression spirals, also known as up-down or up-and-down-cut router bits, are a type of cutting tool used in woodworking and other applications to produce clean, precise cuts on both the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece.

These router bits are designed with two flutes: the top flute pulls chips and debris up and away from the bottom of the workpiece, while the bottom flute pushes chips and debris down and away from the top of the workpiece. This results in a compression effect that helps to prevent tear-out and produce a smoother, cleaner cut on both surfaces of the workpiece.

For specific advice please call 0845 689 0294 or contact us here.