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Dulling bits: Corian Ecru, Cirrus White, Camel
It seems that these four Corian colors have been causing abnormal bit wear. We cut 2 sheets of Ecru yesterday and completely dulled a brand new bit. We have noticed the same effect when cutting Cirrus White and Camel as well. Has anyone else noticed this when working with these colors? Note: using 3/8 triple flute upward cut, feed rate:198, spindle speed: 16500.
thanks
Brady
Brady, very interesting and this was with a new bit? The others were also with a new bit? Perhaps a differant chemical make up in those certain types therby creating a denser solid surface?
Do you always use triple flute spirals or do you mix in a double flute? I’d be interested to see if you used a 2/flute on those types if the longevity of cut would be better.
Brady,
I have said this to many Corian people and they all look at me with the 1000 yard stare. I know for a fact you are right because the first time it happened I thought I was just imagininn things. So I paid carful attention and everytime I use those colors you referred to, the bits, blades and sandpaper wear out in about half the time.
Don’t ask me why, but I think there is more aluminum tyhydrade in the product. Just a guess.
Thanks for posting, I thought I was going crazy.
There is mica in the sheets and yes they are a bit harder, The lustra series will do the same thing to your tools.
When we rout EOS . We use two bits- a 1/2 rougher 14,000 rpm 265 ipm at two passes, two heights and a 1/2 finish bit 18,000 rpm. 375 ipm
On Everything else. Its a 1/4 bit 18,000 rpm,s 380 ipm. We do notice a slight dulling on the Ecru but not as much as others seem to be having. What grit do you have your bits resharpen to? I heard it has to be at least a 400 grit polish to maintain the edge.
Jon, Solid Carbide tooling produced on a Walter machine are brought to 400g in oil. In other words, jet ports spray grinding fluid on the tool. With the fluid in the process, that 400g finish is more akin to 500g.
In sharpening of the same tools, usually brought up to 400g but with a dry grind process, you can usually expect a 80-85% life out of the re-sharpened tool vs new. When re-grinding, although the clearance angle is maintained, you are reducing the hook & diameter. The tool will also not cut as fast.
On a 1/2″ spiral, we will not re-sharpen if the diameter is .470 or smaller. Maybe, .460 as the tool will simply not last.
Furthermore, as it relates to carbide tipped router bits & saw blades, the step of a deluxe 600g diamond wheel for a final poilsh, will achieve a mirror finish in the tool. However, an extra charge for this procedure is needed to cover the cost.
You get what you pay for.
If those colors do contain Mica, they will dull bits quicker than normal. We offer a number of colors with a high Mica content and they will dull bits faster. The design community is asking for these looks and as manufactures, this design trend is on the rise. As a fellow fabricator, I hate that this happens, but it is the nature of the beast. The Mica adds depth and charactor to the products and will not be going away anytime soon.
Is there any way you as the manufactures can let us fab guys know ahead of time. Kinda would be nice to know which colors do and don’t so we don’t stand there and say these router bits ar junk when it actually the material helping cause it.
Thanks,
reuben
Even though I don’t work for Corian any longer I will defend them by saying that there are tech bulletins on both Lustra and Private collection warning of the tool dulling and Mica content. Make sure you always get your updates from your distributor or log onto the enterprise site for updates.
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