Wide surfacing bit on an AR8..how big?

[pedro]

I do a lot of surfacing of end grain cutting boards, and so far I was pretty successful with a 1 inch bit. BUT, I want to go higher, for speed and quality, and was thinking about a 2 inches bit, or even more. The one I use is 1/4 shank but for a bigger one I am looking into 1/2. 

I am always very conservative, I would hate to break my machine. I take off 1mm with the 1 inch, and was thinking the same amount with a bigger bit.


Does anyone have experience with a bigger bit on end grain? Not interested in hearing how it behaves on MDF. I mean end grain which can be quite hard. But again, may it is just my risk aversion.


thanks 

[joeblow]

No experience on end grain, but a lot of surfacing walnut, maple and white oak.  Typical Northeast hardwoods.  I use the Amana RC-2257 surfacing bit.  2 1/2” diameter, 1/2” shank.  Mills very well for me on an AR6 Pro.  

[pedro]

Thanks. So you remember the parameters? Speed, depth, and step over? thanks

[savantpcs]

Here is what I use and i pushed this sucker to the max 5000mm/m on just about every wood I have surfaced:

www.toolstoday.com/v-14368-rc-2263.html

Its a bit pricey but when the carbide inserts dullen you can rotate them around before you purchase new ones which are only around $6 a piece I believe. 2.75" diameter with 3 carbide inserts definitely makes surfacing wood parts a whole lot quicker and easier. I am still impressed with the quality I was able to get on a slab of purple heart with it.