# Will the Makita handle it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [April 5, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336 "2024-04-05T19:47:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LoneCarver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e8c25b/32.png) [@LoneCarver](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/LoneCarver)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/1 "2024-04-05T19:47:36Z")
Is it possible to do a single-pass profile cut on 3/4” birch plywood with a 1/4” compression bit using the Makita router? Or would that just be asking for (best case) a burned up router? If yes, how slow would I need to set the feed rate? (Journeyman Elite) ---
**Author:** ![John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 9:12pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/2 "2024-04-05T21:12:18Z")
A couple extra passes is way faster than driving to the store to buy a new sheet of plywood, a new router, or new bits. ---
**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 10:40pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/3 "2024-04-05T22:40:52Z")
Hey LoneCarver, > [@LoneCarver](#): > > Or would that just be asking for (best case) a burned up router? the Makita hand trim router is a [universal motor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_motor) (= a commutated series-wound motor) which is a type of motor that **gets hotter the slower it runs.** And it is **slowed down by a high mechanical load** , e.g. by - a too large diameter bit like a surfacing bit, or - a too big stepover, or - a too deep cut, or - a too big feedrate. See here for a diagram of motor characteristics: > [@Incorrect or missing data on cheap chinese VFDs and spindles](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/incorrect-or-missing-data-on-cheap-chinese-vfds-and-spindles/18909/27): > > | > > ![BelastungskennlinieEinesUniversalmotors_rotated_with_english_added_var5_50pct](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/uploads/onefinitycnc/original/3X/d/7/d73c7e4d281385bde950b90b0268e2da25ab67ed.png) > – Source: [Traute Meyer](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BelastungskennlinieEinesUniversalmotors.svg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), via Wikimedia Commons (rotated and mirorred to reflect axes of Image 2 and with comments added by Aiph5u) > > Image 1: Motor characteristic (speed/torque diagram) of a [Universal Motor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_motor) _(=the hand trim router)_: **When you have torque, you have no speed, and if you have speed, you have no torque** ☹. > > | The secret of using the hand trim router is to give it a mechanical load so that it stays in the nominal load (nominal torque/speed pairing), which limits it to a specific speed (unlike a spindle, which can deliver its high torque over a wide speed range that you can select from, often from 6000–24000 rpm). See [router/spindle comparison](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/incorrect-or-missing-data-on-cheap-chinese-vfds-and-spindles/18909/27). > [@Fire Safety in workshop](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/fire-safety-in-workshop/8784/9): > > Makita knows about this, it says: > > > ⚠ CAUTION: > > > > - If the tool is operated continuously at low speeds > > for a long time, **the motor will get overloaded** , > > resulting in tool malfunction. > > > 1. Use bits of the correct shank diameter suitable > > for the speed of the tool. > > > CAUTION: > > > > - Since excessive cutting may cause overload of the > > motor or difficulty in controlling the tool, the depth of > > cut should not be more than 3 mm (1/8") at a pass > > when cutting grooves. When you wish to cut grooves > > more than 3 mm (1/8") deep, make several passes > > with progressively deeper bit settings. > > > > NOTE: > > > > - Moving the tool forward too fast may cause a poor > > quality of cut, or damage to the bit or motor. > > […] > > The proper feed rate will depend on the bit size, the > > kind of workpiece and depth of cut. > > > > – Source: [Makita RT0701C](https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/RT0701C) trim router [Instruction Manual](https://cdn.makitatools.com/apps/cms/doc/prod/RT0/647d7eb3-3b81-48d3-b5c1-3ae0fe4e121d_RT0701C_IM.pdf) When milling wood, you need high torque _AND_ high speed, so if you use a universal motor and no spindle, the universal motor should be chosen to have its nominal torque at a high speed, e.g. by using one of [the best milling motor solution for hobbyists and semiprofessionals](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/introducing-the-new-onefinity-elite-series-powered-by-masso/16706/115#best-milling-motor-solution-for-hobbyists-and-semiprofessionals-1). ---
**Author:** ![LoneCarver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e8c25b/32.png) [@LoneCarver](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/LoneCarver)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:14am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/4 "2024-04-06T04:14:04Z")
Thanks for the detailed response. ---
**Author:** ![LoneCarver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e8c25b/32.png) [@LoneCarver](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/LoneCarver)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:17am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/5 "2024-04-06T04:17:33Z")
Agreed. I’m still pretty new at this, and have spent more time up front getting proficient with my CAD/CAM. But that’s why I asked rather than just going for it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Woodtick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Woodtick](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Woodtick)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 1:43pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/6 "2024-04-06T13:43:18Z")
I do single pass in 3/4" with an 1/8" compression bit all the time. 60-80 ipm feed,40-50 plunge, #3 on the Makita. Ramp your cut. > **[1/8” Compression Bit For Cutting 3/4” Plywood ( 5-pack ) | eBay](https://www.ebay.com/itm/124179690438?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=yMMSBiJkRge&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=mIK9lk1YQKa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY)** > > Store moving to another platform soon. Back in stock! 1/8” Carbide Compression End Mill For 3/4” plywood Single flute. Dia : 0.125” or 3.175mm Length of cut : 0.865” or 22mm Shank dia 1/8” This will allow you to cut 3/4” wood or plywood... ---
**Author:** ![John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 1:47pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/7 "2024-04-06T13:47:39Z")
Single pass ramp cuts? ---
**Author:** ![Woodtick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Woodtick](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Woodtick)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/8 "2024-04-06T13:51:12Z")
Yes Sir, works great. ---
**Author:** ![John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 1:56pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/9 "2024-04-06T13:56:46Z")
I think he’s asking about cutting through 3/4" at full depth. Will it work? Maybe. Will the cut quality look like dog sh\*\*? Absolutely. Will you drastically reduce the life of your bits and router? Most definitely. ---
**Author:** ![Woodtick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Woodtick](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Woodtick)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/10 "2024-04-06T14:03:06Z")
I’m just sharing what works for me. I get totally acceptable cut quality, bits last a long time for me and an 1/8" bit puts a minimal load on the router. As they say on the internet, your mileage may vary… ---
**Author:** ![John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 2:09pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/11 "2024-04-06T14:09:06Z")
I don’t mean to be pedantic but you’re ramping your cuts. That is not a single pass per the poster’s question. ---
**Author:** ![JimHatch](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/forum.onefinitycnc.com/jimhatch/32/3928_2.png) [@JimHatch](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/JimHatch)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:07pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/12 "2024-04-06T16:07:53Z")
> [@John](#): > > you’re ramping your cuts. That is not a single pass Not sure why ramping into your cut isn’t a single pass unless you’re being incredibly pedantic. Most of us would likely consider multiple passes to be multiple trips along the cut line with the depth increasing with each trip around (pass). A ramp adds a small amount of extra distance to the cut as it starts & comes around. Pretty sure that’s nearly as meaningful a difference as the added time that three quarter-inch deep trips (passes) take. Unless the OP was suggesting that anything less than a full-depth plunge was necessary for his use case. ---
**Author:** ![John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@John](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/John)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:23pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/13 "2024-04-06T16:23:42Z")
This is where I wash my hands. Perhaps the original poster can clarify the question for you. ---
**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/14 "2024-04-06T16:50:08Z")
Hey all, the original poster focused on what you can do with the hand trim router to not overload it. The correct answer would be, try it out by selecting a balance of the parameters feed rate and depth of cut and then make sure **the router is not slowed down by the load**. I would start with a high (rotational) speed as the problem with milling wood is heat, and this is usually avoided by high speed. By the way, the seller of Rich’s bit writes: > Suggested feed and speed : > > Wood 11,000-16,000RPM , 50-70ipm if full depth > > \*machines have different rigidity so please try 2 passes at 1/2 depth first to have an initial witness cut before pushing it hard Also this is a very thin bit, so you don’t exaggerate with feedrate. Probably the reason that it is sold in packs of five pieces 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Woodtick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e99b99/32.png) [@Woodtick](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/Woodtick)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/15 "2024-04-06T16:54:19Z")
I’ve rarely broken a bit using these settings. Almost all breakage was due to hitting fasteners or knots so operator error! ---
**Author:** ![CSM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@CSM](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/CSM)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2024, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/will-the-makita-handle-it/26336/16 "2024-04-06T17:31:31Z")
I agree a ramp would leave a small section of the cut not at full depth as it travels along the vector a short distance until it reaches full depth.