Cutting Principles and Techniques
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      3. Cutting Principles and Techniques

      Materials Recommendations

      We've used Origin to cut a wide variety of materials with good outcomes. We suggest that you use the following spec table as a point of departure when you first start cutting a material that is new to you.

      For a rundown of bits available from Shaper consult this article.

      Specified recommendations for specialty router bits can be found in this article.

      Material

      Cutter

      Spindle Speed

      Auto Speed (ipm)

      Max Depth per Pass (in.)

      General Notes

      Softwoods

      (Including high-quality ply and MDF)

      1/4" 2-flute Upcut Spiral 

      		 5 10 .25  

      Hardwoods

      1/4" 2-flute Upcut Spiral 

      		 4 10 .25 

      Upcut cutter geometry will keep cuts clear of chips and debris.

      Decreasing spindle speed can reduce the possibility of charring

      Non-Ferrous Metals

      (e.g. Aluminum, Brass, Copper)

      1/8" Single flute O-flute 

      		 2 4 .04  

      Thin Acrylics (≤1/8")

      1/8" Single flute O-flute

      		 4 10 .125

      Make sure you keep moving when cutting to reduce the possibility of melting

      Don't see a material you're hoping to cut with Origin? Send us a message and request that it be added to this table.

      You can see a demonstration of cutting non-standard material in this Shaper Session: