Southeast Tool Router Bit Set for Cutting Plastic

Speaking from experience, ordering special plastic-cutting router bits and cutting tools can be a real pain. There are tons of bits for cutting wood materials, and plenty of metal-cutting end mills. There are many bits that are specially shaped for cutting plastic, but they can be hard to find when you have to sort through all of the more popular bits.

This USA-made 10-piece router bit set, from Southeast Tool, comes with 10 bits that are specially designed for cutting plastic sheets. I take it that this means they should help provide cleaner cuts with reduced friction and melting.

When cutting plastic, tooling can get so hot that it could melt bits of plastic as it cuts, leading to messier cuts and/or chip re-welding, which is when molten bits of cut plastic re-adhere to freshly-cut surfaces.

Special plastic-cutting bits should also help reduce the chance of cracking in brittle plastics, such as acrylic.

This bit set comes with the following bit sizes and styles. All have 1/4″ shanks.

• 1/4″ carbide spiral upcut (SRU120)
• 1/8″ carbide straight O flute (SPL100)
• 3/16″ carbide straight O flute (PL110)
• 1/4″ carbide straight O flute (SPL120)
• 1/4″ carbide straight O flute – 2 flute (SPL220)
• 1/8″ carbide spiral O flute (SOU100)
• 1/4″ carbide  spiral O flute (SOU120)
• 1/4″ carbide multi-grind polished spiral O flute (SPOU100)
• 1/8″ radius O flute for 1/8in Material (SPR200)
• 1/4″ radius O flute for 1/4in. Material (SPR220)

Price: $180 for the set

Most of the bits are available for around $18 each, a couple are pricier and closer to $30 and $40.

If you’re just starting out and working with plastics using a handheld or CNC-controlled router or spindle, you’ll probably want to try one or two bits, such as a straight or spiral O flute. But if you’re ready to do more and experiment with different bit styles and edge finishes, then this set might be a great addition to your toolbox.

When I started working more with plastics, I spent too much time flipping through and scrutinizing bit catalogs and industrial flyers, picking and choosing individual bits to check out. If I knew about this set a year or two ago, I probably would have bought it instead. You still have to know the benefits and tradeoffs of each bit style, but having a solid assortment like this one can be a time-saver when you want to try something new.

Buy Now(via Carbide Processors)