Newsawontheblock Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I’m doing a stack cut of 4 layers of 1/4 Baltic Birch. The bottom layer is tearing out quite badly. I am using a FD Ultra Reverse 3 Any ideas as to what I could/should change? OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I have not done a lot of stack cutting but unless you are using quality BB tear out can be expected because the outside veneers are so very thin on ordinary plywood. I use a sacrificial piece of 3/16" luan underlayment. Fish, Newsawontheblock and OCtoolguy 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimErn Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 insure the blade is mounted so that reverse teeth clear the table OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedido Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I don’t have any experience in this, but maybe put some painters tape might help. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 The first thing that comes to mine is this real Baltic birch or the birch plywood they sell at Lowes or Home Depot. If the latter there is not much you can do. Sorry to say you got what you paid for. The second thing is you said you were using #3 FD Ultra Reverse. Is the blade installed with the crimp at the top? Can you post a picture of the bottom layer? OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwine Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 You stated that the bottom layer is "tearing out" badly? Is it the actual wood that is tearing out or is it just the "fuzzes" that is always to some extent, present on the bottom layer. I use the FD ultra reverse blades when I stack cut the bb ply and they will produce fusses but not as much as a regular blade. As NC Scroller stated if it is not true BB ply but the utility ply or even their cabinet grade ply, you run the risk of the ply tearing or even breaking out! Erv OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsawontheblock Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 It is true Baltic birch. Here is a photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedido Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Thank you for the photo as it helps a lot describing your problem. I have experienced this a lot. I now use Maple 1/2 plywood and it splinters some, just not as much. I have used basswood plywood and while more expensive, doesn’t have this problem and is a dream to work with. Newsawontheblock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 I have never used the ultra reverse blade before so not sure if this is the problem or not. There are different grades of BB Ply also. I have purchased some where the outer layers are very thin and they tore out quite badly. I can not examine the wood you are using, so I also can not be sure if that is where your problem lies. Have you used this blade to cut only one layer and if so, have you experienced the same problem? Do you have any other blades that you can use to see if that helps or is this the only blade that you have on hand? Maybe if you cut less layers at a time, this may help. Experiment on some scrap wood if you have any and see if a different blade helps or less layers. Sorry I can not think of anything else to tell you on this problem without being with you Dick heppnerguy Newsawontheblock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl S Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 It also appears that your drill bit is dull or that you are forcing it through the plywood rather than let it cut it's way through Just guessing since there are splintered places where the bit came out the back side. this would give your surface ply a place to start tearing away from the other layers as you cut. NC Scroller and Wilson142 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsawontheblock Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 27 minutes ago, Karl S said: It also appears that your drill bit is dull or that you are forcing it through the plywood rather than let it cut it's way through Just guessing since there are splintered places where the bit came out the back side. this would give your surface ply a place to start tearing away from the other layers as you cut. Yeah, I think that might be what is happening. Might have to redo this piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Like Karl noted, it looks like the problem is tear out from the drill bit. As the drill bit exits the wood, it is breaking the grain on the bottom of the board.Three things to prevent or minimize this. First, make sure you use a sharp bit, second, you must use a backer board. The backer board supports the grain in the blank so it doesn’t splinter as the drill bit breaks through. Third, you must match the drill speed to the type of drill bit you are using. There are all kinds of speed charts available on line. Wood Magazine has a great one available online. Newsawontheblock, NC Scroller and Matt B 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted May 12, 2020 Report Share Posted May 12, 2020 For extremely small number bits like 68 and 72 work atheir optimum with speeds like 20K and up. My go to bit is #68 ans I use a drill presswhich is not near fast enough so I just let the bit plow through and let the backer bear the brunt. The bit burnt black but still makes the hole. Those little bits are pricey and on the Dremel they are a pita to change without removing is from the router attachment. I guess I'm lazy so I take the easiest road. Newsawontheblock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt B Posted May 12, 2020 Report Share Posted May 12, 2020 dgman said it, but it is good advise, so I will second it. You need a backer board when drilling. I use an old cut off 1 x 6 or something like that as a backer when drilling. Using a drill press, just set the depth to go into the backer an 1/4 in or so. Let the drill bit do the work and don't force it into the wood. dgman and Newsawontheblock 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fab4 Posted May 12, 2020 Report Share Posted May 12, 2020 Hi Steven: I agree with Karl 100% The problem is not the blade - the damage is done even before you start scrolling Take care of your method of drilling and your problem is 95% solved If you still have tear outs with a clean drill hole then add a sacrificial piece as your bottom layer as mentioned aboveNOTE: Then and only then, if you still get tear outs, after doing all of the above, Get a new hobby, because this isn't for you.......just kidding!!! honest You'll be alright, Please let us know how these suggestions worked for you Fab4 Wilson142 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsawontheblock Posted May 12, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2020 (edited) I tried cutting some more on it, and it keeps splintering Planning to recut and drill very clean holes this time! Thank you for all the help! Edited May 12, 2020 by Newsawontheblock Fab4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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