How bad is plywood on carbide bits?

[Ben Dono]

im planning on doing a shop fitout with ply and a mitre lock bit... maybe three tall narrow (3.0 tall by 300mm wide) and about 5 floating shelves with all edges and faces being mitre locked (1.2 by 300mm wide)

how bad can plywood be on carbide bits? it must still work to some degree?

and advice would be great! thanks guys!

Ben in Sydney

[soundman]

I work almost exclusively in plywood & plywood composites,

Chipboard is more abrasive, laminate & melamine are harder.

Generally plywood is fine with carbide bits.

If you are trying to use lock mitre you may find some tear out if running across the face grain.

The better grade of ply you use the better the finish will be.

The sweedes & the finns seem to use ply a lot like we use chip & mdf for kitchens & such.

[Ben Dono]

Thanks for the info !! i was wating for a reply on that before i ordered the ply!

the finish on the form ply is compressed so im hoping for a fine join...

anyway.. im posting the pictures up when im finnished!

Thanks again!

[soundman]

I think the secret to sucess with this is getting the bit set up just right for the material.

[Ben Dono]

What do you guys think is the best way to finnish the edge after cutting?

would you use a downcut spiral or an straight 1/2 inch bit with a tapered cutting edge?

which will mill and square the edge the best on the form ply?

[soundman]

If you are talkin about the edge before yo machine the mitre lock on it.
Whats wrong with your say bench. A good cabinet blade should give a nice clean smooth cut.

I often cut oversise & trim all 4 edges if I want accuracy & finish on ply.

A good sharp fine cabinet blade can do some nice work.

Any way whats with the lock mitre. They can be a wonderous thing but a simple rebated join can look good on the exposed egde of plywood.