How to Avoid Burning and Furring When Cutting Wood with a CNC Router

Cutting wood with a CNC router is a precise and efficient process, but it's important to manage your settings and tooling correctly to avoid issues like burning and furring. Here are some tips to help you achieve cleaner cuts and protect your materials.

Use the Right Tooling: Up and Down Spirals - Choosing the right bit is crucial. Spiral bits come in two varieties: upcut and downcut. An upcut bit pulls chips up and away from the material, ensuring better cooling and preventing burning. A downcut bit, on the other hand, pushes the material downwards, leaving a smoother top surface. For the best of both worlds, consider using a Compression cutter, which has both upcut and downcut flutes—ideal for preventing furring while maintaining a clean edge on both sides.

Complete CNC have a range of compression cutters with heat resistant coating to avoid burning.

Opt for Twin Flutes - Twin flutes are excellent for woodworking because they provide a balance between material removal and surface finish. The dual cutting edges also reduce the heat build-up that often leads to burning. Using a twin flute cutter can help you achieve a clean cut, with less risk of damaging your workpiece. View Twin Flutes

Lower Your RPM - Running your CNC router at too high a speed can cause friction and heat, resulting in burn marks on your wood. Lowering the RPM allows the bit to cut smoothly through the material, reducing the chances of burning or furring along the edges.

Lead In and Lead Out - Implementing lead in and lead out strategies during your cuts can reduce the risk of unwanted marks or rough edges. By easing the cutter into and out of the material gradually, you can avoid sudden friction that can cause burning or furring. These techniques are especially helpful for intricate or detailed designs.

By applying these tips, you'll not only avoid common CNC issues but also achieve smoother, cleaner cuts every time!