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Description

Premium Solid Carbide Tools From Drill Bits Unlimited
Made in USA!
Quantity One Piece
Mill Diameter (inch) 1/8
Mill Diameter (mm) : 3.175
# of Flutes: 2
Depth of Cut (inch): .600
Shank Diameter (Inch) : 1/8
Shank Diameter (mm) : 3.175
Overall Length (inch): 1.50
Material: Solid Tungsten Carbide
Finish: None
Cutting Direction: Right Hand
Flute Direction: Left Hand (Down Cut)
Flute Type: Spiral
Helix Angle: 30
Center Cutting?: Yes
Plunge Tip: Square End

Two-flute down-cut spiral end mills are designed to push material downward during cutting, which helps to:

  • Prevent lifting or splintering on the top surface of the material
  • Improve hold-down on thinner or softer materials
  • Deliver a cleaner top-edge finish

Because of this, they’re best suited for the following materials and applications:

🪵 Wood & Wood Composites

  • Plywood – minimizes top veneer tear-out
  • MDF – prevents top fuzzing and delamination
  • Hardwoods & Softwoods – cleaner top surface, good for cabinetry or visible surfaces
  • Melamine/laminated panels – avoids chipping on the top layer

🟩 Down-cut bits are especially valuable in CNC routing of wood where you want a clean top edge.

🧱 Plastics

  • Acrylic / PMMA
  • Polycarbonate
  • HDPE / UHMW
  • PVC

🔸 Works well when edge finish and chip control are more important than chip evacuation (since chips are pushed down, not up).

🧑‍🔬 Composite Materials

  • PCB substrates (FR4, phenolic)
  • Carbon fiber panels (if shallow cuts)
  • G10

Use with care due to poor chip evacuation. Good dust extraction is critical.

⚠️ Not Ideal For:

  • Metals – especially aluminum or steel, due to poor chip evacuation and risk of chip welding or tool breakage.
  • Deep pockets – down-cut tools tend to trap chips in deeper cuts, which increases heat and tool wear.

Summary Table:

Material Type

Down-Cut Spiral Use?

Notes

Plywood

✅ Excellent

Prevents top veneer tear-out

MDF

✅ Excellent

Clean top surface

Solid wood

✅ Good

Especially with surface finishing

Acrylic / Plastics

✅ Good

Needs slower feeds for clean edge

Aluminum

❌ Not recommended

Chip evacuation issues

PCB (FR4)

⚠️ Conditional

Light passes, good dust collection required

Carbon Fiber

⚠️ Conditional

Delamination risk if misused

Steel / Metal

❌ No

Use dedicated metal end mills

⚠️ Note: This is a precision carbide end mill designed for CNC use. While often called a “router bit” in hobbyist circles, it is not intended for handheld or high-speed woodworking routers.