Key points for selecting a bottom cleaning knife

Seven Bottom Cleaning Knife Selection Factors

Bottom cleaning knife selection starts with the required pocket diameter, floor flatness, corner condition, cutting depth, and workpiece material. Compare cutter diameter, cutting edge layout, shank size, tool material, coating, and maximum speed. A balanced tool with sharp bottom edges removes ridges efficiently and leaves a smooth, level surface.

Choose carbide for abrasive wood products, plastics, and composites, and select geometry with enough chip clearance for the planned depth and feed. Confirm that the shank fits the collet, projection is minimal, and machine power is suitable for the cutter diameter. Use a roughing tool first when material removal is heavy, then finish with a shallow cleaning pass. Check runout, spindle speed, feed direction, overlap, workholding, and dust extraction before cutting. A reliable cutting tool supplier can match the design to the application. Established router practices improve flatness, finish, productivity, and safety.