I'm a Bit confused - Spiral Router Bit

[ray vile]

when is the proper times that you would use a spiral cut router bit, I don't know witch bit is used for what.

[Hugh Clare]

I don't have broad experience with them, but the idea is that a spiral cut is either pushes or pulls along the axis of the bit, where a straight cut is perpendicular to the bit. This is important when tear-out or splintering is an issue. Examples might be finger joints or edge cuts that are exposed. About.com has a pretty good explanation on using spiral bits vs. straight bits.

[ray vile]

Thanks Hugh I'll check it out, just went to about.com I never went there before, what an informative site. Thanks again Hugh
Hugh Clare said:

I don't have broad experience with them, but the idea is that a spiral cut is either pushes or pulls along the axis of the bit, where a straight cut is perpendicular to the bit. This is important when tear-out or splintering is an issue. Examples might be finger joints or edge cuts that are exposed. About.com has a pretty good explanation on using spiral bits vs. straight bits.

[Robert Goss]

There are actually 3 types of Spiral Cutters:
1: Up Spiral - which pull chips toward the shank. The are commonly used for dadoing or mortising with produce a smooth flat bottom. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18734
2: Down Spiral - which push chips away from the shank. The are commonly used in laminate, veneer or inlay applications and produce a clean finished surface.http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18735
3: Compression Spiral - are a combination of up and down shear flutes to eliminate chipping on both sides of laminated materials or double-sided veneers for a fine finish on both sides. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18737

Hope this helps.

[ray vile]

thanks to everyone. Ray

[Jens Jensen]

I have seen people on videos use the upward cutter for mortising with a drill press