A word to the wise though - I bought a 2 inch bit thinking that as I needed it for some deep mortises, it would be able to do shorter work too. This is in fact true, but it is not good at doing either - save for very light, or constrained plunge cuts, it is prone to vibration. Sure, with practice this is less of an issue, but there is not 'one bit to rule them all' as I had hoped. Unless you need do cut really deeply, buy a shorter bit!

Turning insertGuide

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Round Inserts: Round inserts feature a circular cutting edge, providing excellent performance in contouring, profiling, and finishing operations. These inserts are particularly advantageous for achieving smooth surface finishes and maintaining dimensional accuracy in curved or radiused workpieces. Round inserts are also preferred for interrupted cuts due to their ability to distribute cutting forces evenly.

When maximum speed of the machine spindle less than value of recommended milling conditions... ; Feed of Recommended Milling Conditions, Rate ; Vf1 mm/min, ×, α ...

I appreciate all of you sharing your knowledge! It was just a bit (no pun intended,LOL) confusing to me as which to purchase! Thank You for sharing.

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Triangle Inserts: Triangle inserts, characterized by three equal sides, are valued for their strength and suitability for heavy-duty machining applications. The triangular geometry allows for high feed rates and chip control, making them ideal for roughing and semi-finishing operations. The pointed corners enable efficient machining in tight spaces and corners, enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for additional tooling.

I just used a solid carbide up cut router bit to create 56 mortices for floating tenons.I have a router driven mortising machine cobbled together from the mortising attachment from European multi function machines.That carbide bit did not dull or slow down one bit.The material was hard maple

In conclusion, the selection of CNC insert shapes is influenced by factors such as the machining operation, workpiece material, surface finish requirements, and tool life considerations. By understanding the characteristics and applications of commonly utilized insert shapes, machinists can optimize their machining processes for efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Whether it's square, round, triangular, diamond, hexagonal, octagonal, or customized inserts, each shape offers distinct advantages that contribute to achieving superior results in CNC machining operations.

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In the realm of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, the design of cutting inserts plays a pivotal role in determining the efficiency, precision, and versatility of the machining process. CNC inserts, often made from carbide, ceramic, or other advanced materials, come in various shapes tailored to specific machining tasks and materials. Understanding the common shapes utilized in CNC insert designs is essential for optimizing machining performance across diverse applications.

Work hardening, strain hardening, or cold work is the strengthening of a material by increasing the material's dislocation density.

Square Inserts: Square inserts, characterized by four equal sides, are one of the most ubiquitous shapes in CNC machining. They offer stability and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of operations, including facing, profiling, and general turning. The 90-degree corners of square inserts facilitate efficient machining along straight edges and shoulders.

Regardless of whether you use it in a router table or handheld router buy an upspiral or up cut bit it is by far the more versatile bit. Down spirals have limited applications where they may have a slight advantage and you will probably never need one.

Turning insertchart

I use a router table and am trying to decide which bit is best for router table.  Upcut or down cut spiral bit?  Thank  You for any help!

Customized Inserts: Beyond standard geometries, CNC insert designs can be customized to meet specific machining requirements and challenges. Manufacturers often develop specialized insert shapes tailored to unique applications, such as aerospace components, automotive parts, and medical devices. Customized inserts may incorporate features such as chip breakers, wiper edges, and coatings optimized for particular materials and cutting conditions.

For the future the only time to use a downspiral bit is if you are through cutting in a single plunge usually with a hand held router although it is okay to do so in a router table if you are plunging through, but keep in mind that you will be fighting gravity. This is why upspiral bits are much more prevalent.

An upcut bit will clear chips most effectively from non-through cuts, and will reduce chipout on the uppermost surface of the work for through-cuts. A downcut bit will minimise chipout on the lowermost surface.

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CNMGInsert

Diamond Inserts: Diamond inserts, featuring a rhombus or diamond-shaped cutting edge, excel in both turning and milling operations. The unique geometry of diamond inserts facilitates smooth chip evacuation and reduces cutting forces, resulting in improved surface finishes and extended tool life. These inserts are commonly used in facing, contouring, and chamfering applications, especially in materials prone to built-up edge formation.

Hexagonal Inserts: Hexagonal inserts, with six sides, offer a balance of stability and cutting edge accessibility. They are often employed in roughing and semi-finishing operations, where high material removal rates are desired. The multiple cutting edges of hexagonal inserts allow for efficient machining of complex geometries and contours while minimizing tool changes and setup times.

I'd go with the downcut bit. The chips will be pulled down and away from the work. If you happen to cut mortises by lowering the stile down on the bit, the benefit of the downcut becomes obvious.

Turninginserts types

I’m generally going to use the bit in a router table, routing dado’s. So you’re saying Upcut? But sometimes just using in a handheld router, so my best option?

Octagonal Inserts: Octagonal inserts feature eight sides and are valued for their versatility and stability in a variety of machining tasks. They offer increased edge strength compared to square inserts, making them suitable for heavy cutting and interrupted machining conditions. Octagonal inserts are commonly utilized in milling, drilling, and threading applications, where reliable performance and precision are paramount.

CNCturninginserts

I think I need to correct you on this in a router table unless you are cutting through the stock you want to use an upcut bit to pull the chips out of the cut. Keep in mind this will actually result in the chips being moved downward. If you were to use a downspiral bit the chips would be pushed into the cut and build up, creating more heat, burning, and shorten bit life. If you are through cutting in a single pass in really doesn't matter much.

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May 6, 2014 — I have been doing these parts on my bed mill with a 4200 RPM spindle at around 2800 RPM. The new router has an HSD spindle with an RPM range of ...

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You want an up-cut bit for dados. The down-cut bit will drive the chips into the groove, and your dado will likely get shallower as you proceed. Plus you will be fighting to keep the board down on the router table against the push of the bit. The only situation that I know where a down spiral bit is far superior is when trimming plastic laminate or veneer with a flush trim bit. Here the down spiral bit prevents any chipping out upward of that delicate surface that will show. My first spiral router bits were steel, and didn't last. Now I buy the solid carbide ones. I use them for plunge routing, but generally use straight carbide tipped bits for dadoing and rabbeting. When I bought my first router in 1975, the guy handed it to me and said, "You just bought half a tool." Considering how much I've spent on routers (and I have at least 5) compared to router bits, he should have said "one fourth". I only buy them as needed.

Regardless of component size, material or design, the carbide insert grade you use can make all the difference in your manufacturing productivity.

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You are correct. Using an upcut bit in a router table will pull the chips down towards the shank. I had them flipped. Thanks.