Product Care
These guidelines are written to help you get the most out of your tools.
General Cutting
Ideally the direction of cut should follow the grain direction. The router bit should rotate in the direction shown, to eject the waste material efficiently and prevent kickback. Excessive amounts of material should not be removed in one pass as this will shorten the life of your tools. We suggest no more than 2-3mm is removed with each pass although this will vary greatly depending on depth of cut, RPM, cutter diameter etc.
Cutting Across The Grain
When cutting across the grain, the direction of cut should be as shown. These cuts are usually made with a template where the bearing follows the template precisely. The benefit of a Radian router bit which has bearings above and below the blade is that the workpiece and template can be flipped together and cutting can follow the grain direction perfectly without the need to re align the template on the opposite face.
Cleaning
Depending on the type of material used, there will be an inevitable build up of wood dust and resin on the bit itself that, if left unchecked, will affect its performance. This debris restricts the gullet of the bits blocking the exit path of the new chips, which causes excess friction causing the bit to overheat and shortening its usable life. To combat this, spray the bit with GT85 to soften the resin which is then easily removed with a plastic or wooden tool. This should be done regularly, after each use if possible. If the resin has become 'baked' on the bit it will need soaking overnight in a dish of GT85 (remove bearings, see bearing care) to soften the resin, which then can be removed as described above.
Bearing Care
Before and after each use the bearings should be checked to make sure they run freely. If they are seized they will probably need replacing. To clean bearings they should be removed from the cutter body and any dust / resin build up brushed or scraped away. Care must be taken not to damage the bearing casing so we suggest the use of wooden or plastic tools.
Bearings contain grease and should not be soaked in GT85 or similar as these products will strip the grease from the bearings and reduce their lifespan, however, a fine layer of GT85 could be wiped onto the outer casing of the bearing once it has been cleaned.
Spindle Speed
Larger diameter cutters should run at a reduced spindle speed (RPM) as peripheral speed increases with diameter. MAX RPM is stated on the tool.
Feed Rate
Single flute router bits can cut with a high feed rate, but the quality of the cut is poor. This effect changes as more flutes are added to the cutter. Four flute router bits give the best finish but should be run at a reduced feed rate.
Storage
Radian router bits are supplied in a protective wax coating. When the tool has been used this coating will no longer be there, and left untreated for extended periods the body of the tool may corrode. The best way to keep the cutter in perfect condition is to lightly spray the tool with a PTFE based lubricant such as GT85 before storing it in the Radian tool tube. Router cutters should not be stored next to each other, as they are likely to chip if bumped together.
Sharpening
To sharpen your router bits you will need the relevant size of diamond paddle or diamond needle file (for smaller cutters), a good light source and a comfortable place to sit. You should only work on the flat radial face of each flute as working on the outside edge of the flute will alter the diameter of the profile quite quickly. Rather than working on one flute until it's sharp, It's fairly important to sharpen uniformly so the bit will remain balanced and cut smoothly. You can ensure an even job simply by giving one flute five or ten strokes, rotating the bit and giving the next flute the same number of strokes, and so on. Your diamond abrasives can be used dry, but they'll resist clogging better and need cleaning less often if you keep them lubricated with water. We suggest that you work with fine (600 grit) or extra-fine (1200 grit) diamond abrasives.
Router Bit Safety Information
Before Use
• Never use dull or damaged router bits.
• Check that the bit is clean and free from resin /debris.
• Clamping surfaces should be clean and free from dirt, corrosion, grease and water.
Mounting the router bit into the machine
• Be sure that at least three quarters of the shank length is inserted into the router collet.
• Tools and tool bodies must be clamped in such a way that they do not become loose during operation.
• Never use this tool on machines that are not equipped with suitable guards / protection devices.
Router Usage
ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION
• The maximum speed of the tool must not be exceeded and where stated the speed range of the tool must be adhered to.
• If excessive vibrations are felt when using the router STOP IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not force the bits or overload your router. Multiple passes are recommended where appropriate.
• Remember, four flute cutters are designed to provide an exceptional finish at a slower feed rate
General Cutting
Ideally the direction of cut should follow the grain direction. The router bit should rotate in the direction shown, to eject the waste material efficiently and prevent kickback. Excessive amounts of material should not be removed in one pass as this will shorten the life of your tools. We suggest no more than 2-3mm is removed with each pass although this will vary greatly depending on depth of cut, RPM, cutter diameter etc.
Cutting Across The GrainWhen cutting across the grain, the direction of cut should be as shown. These cuts are usually made with a template where the bearing follows the template precisely. The benefit of a Radian router bit which has bearings above and below the blade is that the workpiece and template can be flipped together and cutting can follow the grain direction perfectly without the need to re align the template on the opposite face.
Cleaning
Depending on the type of material used, there will be an inevitable build up of wood dust and resin on the bit itself that, if left unchecked, will affect its performance. This debris restricts the gullet of the bits blocking the exit path of the new chips, which causes excess friction causing the bit to overheat and shortening its usable life. To combat this, spray the bit with GT85 to soften the resin which is then easily removed with a plastic or wooden tool. This should be done regularly, after each use if possible. If the resin has become 'baked' on the bit it will need soaking overnight in a dish of GT85 (remove bearings, see bearing care) to soften the resin, which then can be removed as described above.
Bearing Care
Before and after each use the bearings should be checked to make sure they run freely. If they are seized they will probably need replacing. To clean bearings they should be removed from the cutter body and any dust / resin build up brushed or scraped away. Care must be taken not to damage the bearing casing so we suggest the use of wooden or plastic tools.
Bearings contain grease and should not be soaked in GT85 or similar as these products will strip the grease from the bearings and reduce their lifespan, however, a fine layer of GT85 could be wiped onto the outer casing of the bearing once it has been cleaned.
Spindle Speed
Larger diameter cutters should run at a reduced spindle speed (RPM) as peripheral speed increases with diameter. MAX RPM is stated on the tool.
Feed Rate
Single flute router bits can cut with a high feed rate, but the quality of the cut is poor. This effect changes as more flutes are added to the cutter. Four flute router bits give the best finish but should be run at a reduced feed rate.
Storage
Radian router bits are supplied in a protective wax coating. When the tool has been used this coating will no longer be there, and left untreated for extended periods the body of the tool may corrode. The best way to keep the cutter in perfect condition is to lightly spray the tool with a PTFE based lubricant such as GT85 before storing it in the Radian tool tube. Router cutters should not be stored next to each other, as they are likely to chip if bumped together.
Sharpening
To sharpen your router bits you will need the relevant size of diamond paddle or diamond needle file (for smaller cutters), a good light source and a comfortable place to sit. You should only work on the flat radial face of each flute as working on the outside edge of the flute will alter the diameter of the profile quite quickly. Rather than working on one flute until it's sharp, It's fairly important to sharpen uniformly so the bit will remain balanced and cut smoothly. You can ensure an even job simply by giving one flute five or ten strokes, rotating the bit and giving the next flute the same number of strokes, and so on. Your diamond abrasives can be used dry, but they'll resist clogging better and need cleaning less often if you keep them lubricated with water. We suggest that you work with fine (600 grit) or extra-fine (1200 grit) diamond abrasives.
Router Bit Safety Information
Before Use
• Never use dull or damaged router bits.
• Check that the bit is clean and free from resin /debris.
• Clamping surfaces should be clean and free from dirt, corrosion, grease and water.
Mounting the router bit into the machine
• Be sure that at least three quarters of the shank length is inserted into the router collet.
• Tools and tool bodies must be clamped in such a way that they do not become loose during operation.
• Never use this tool on machines that are not equipped with suitable guards / protection devices.
Router Usage
ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION
• The maximum speed of the tool must not be exceeded and where stated the speed range of the tool must be adhered to.
• If excessive vibrations are felt when using the router STOP IMMEDIATELY.
• Do not force the bits or overload your router. Multiple passes are recommended where appropriate.
• Remember, four flute cutters are designed to provide an exceptional finish at a slower feed rate