I have someone asking if I can cut EPDM rubber sheets on my OB 1515. The durometer is between 50A and 60A. These will be used for gaskets and it is NOT foam. Any bit recommendations? The material is 1/4" thick
I don't know anything about durometer but have cut various kinds of rubber and foam and can speak about bits. SHARP, very sharp, and have spares because they will get blunt. Carbide may be best for long life but HSS can be made sharper in general. conventional cut rather than climb cut, will give a smoother finish. no finishing cuts, you want the cut to make chips and throw them, taking a light skim to finish as you would on metal will not give you good results (unless your rubber is very hard I think). vacuum extraction, you don't want any of the chips recut so you must remove them before that happens. There are bits made specially for foams and rubbers, check with the good brand bit makers. In this video John speaks about the bits he is using, at about 04:30
Thankyou very much David. I will definitely be watching the video and taking notes. Luckily, I only have to cut 4 of these gaskets. So, i am not necessarily looking for long term bit usage and the person is willing to supply the bits. Will still be less expensive than having them cut on a waterjet.
