Bit Selection

[JMOlshefski]

I am cutting patterns out in 3/4 oak. I use a 1/4 spiral bit and multiple passes, cut is good, but is this the best bit to use to get the best finish cut?

[Adrian]

It's what I would use.

You could experiment with the "Do Separate Last Pass" feature so the final cut is the full depth of the material (assuming the cutting edge of your bit is long enough) that would clean up any marks from the multiple passes. You'd have to experiment with direction and allowances to see what what works best for the power of your machine.

[Rcnewcomb]

The conventional wisdom is to use the largest bit possible that will still give you the detail you need, and with the shortest cutting length possible.

Ideally for your project in 3/4 oak you would want a bit with slightly over a 0.75" cutting edge length.

Could you still get the detail you need and the proper part spacing using a 3/8" or a 1/2" bit?

Are your feed rates correct? i.e. are you making chips rather than sawdust?