Question
I've been doing a lot more pocketing lately with upcoming projects and I wondered what the best tool to do this with is. I've heard of guys using their fly cutter and dropping it in at a 45, although I'm reluctant because it's not really meant for plunging.
Forum Responses
(CNC Forum)
From contributor M:
You are correct, a typical flycutter is not a plunging bit. Ramping in will not be an issue though. As long as the ramp isn't too vertical, it should be fine. As for pocketing, I wouldn't choose that tool. There are other factors that you didn't include, like depth of cut, material to be cut, inside corners needing smaller radii than a flycutter will give, whether finish is important, etc. I use my flycutter for what it was designed for, and occasionally planing boards for thickness. Remember there is a limit on depth of cut for most flycutter designs that shouldn't be exceeded.
I do use it occasionally to pocket out areas of pre-laminated material to expose the core, (say you are making a microwave cabinet with a white melamine interior and want to change the color of the laminate where the microwave sits for example), but that would be the rare large area of thin material. I do most large pockets with a 50mm stagger tooth replaceable tip hogging bit.