FEM end or Plunge End

This forum is for general discussion regarding VCarve Pro
Post Reply
RobH063
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 106
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 4:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 1000mm Xcarve
Location: Jamestown, New York

FEM end or Plunge End

Post by RobH063 »

I'm doing some Down Cut End Mill shopping in both 1/8" and 1/4" shaft diameters and I'm confused about the difference between FEM end and Plunge end offerings. I will be using these to profile carve and pocket carve. What's the difference and which would be best? Thank you in advance.

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14546
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: FEM end or Plunge End

Post by Adrian »

From http://www.woodguide.org/files/2014/07/ ... basics.pdf
Standard End – bits will plunge cut nicely, these bits can be
identified by the swallow tail style profile of the end of the bit. This bit
is the right choice when cutting profiles. The disadvantage of this
style bit is it leaves marks or swirls when pocket cutting.

FEM – (flat end mill) this style of end geometry is designed to cut a
smooth bottom surface when pocketing. The disadvantage of this
style is it need to be ramped into its cut. Forgetting to do this will
result in a burned bit. The end profile of this bit is flat.

Post Reply