Wood milling: What type of milling machine do we choose?

Wood milling: What type of milling machine do we choose?

Milling is one of the main stages in the processing of quality wood. Specialized carpentry workshops can produce finished, durable materials with a unique appearance, also thanks to new generation machinery.

A milling machine with high-performance technical data guarantees the best results. Consult this guide and find out which type of milling machine is right for your projects!

Contents: 

1. What is the milling process?

1.1 What are the types of wood routers?

1.2 Shaft position

1.3 Purpose and purpose of the milling machine

2. CNC milling machine

3. Choosing a carpentry tool based on the basic type

3.1 Choosing a carpentry machine based on milling power

3.2 Choosing a carpentry machine based on maximum milling speed

3.3Choosing a carpentry machine based on the maximum milling depth

3.4 Choosing a carpentry machine based on milling methods

4. Milling in the feed direction

4.1 Up-feed milling

5. Woodworking according to milling tools

What does the milling process mean?

Milling is a cutting process using classic or modern machines that contain a rotating part called a milling cutter. This is an elementary tool for the cutting process, consisting of several cutting edges for processing flat or profiled wooden surfaces into various shapes. There are several types of milling cutters that can be used for carpentry projects.

The milling process for woodworking differs depending on the purpose and desired result.

The main cutting methods in milling are:

• cutting depth;
• cutting feed rate;
• cutting speed;

What are the types of wood router bits?

The operations that milling machines can perform are drilling, boring, turning and milling. There are numerous woodworking milling machine models, differing in certain characteristics: spindle position, the purpose of the machine, the degree of automation and the operating mode: semi-professional or professional.

Shaft position

• Milling machine with rotating spindle in position verticallyThis machine is suitable for both small, hobby workshops to create decorations, as well as for semi-professional, professional workshops and factories to make large objects and pieces of furniture.

• Milling machine with the rotating spindle in a horizontal position. This type of milling cutter with an axis oriented parallel to the table is used in high-precision work on simple flat surfaces, conical or inclined surfaces, slots, recessed surfaces and profiles.
• Multi-axis rotary milling machineThe machine with multiple rotary axes is specialized for carpentry workshops where several operations are performed on a single machine. Coordinate milling machine ATC Rotary 4×1 which can perform complex machining. The machine can process large objects such as wooden doors or even wooden furniture fronts, but also round elements such as balusters or columns, thanks to the lathe attached to the CNC router frame.

CNC milling machine

The CNC wood milling machine is equipped with a modern, automated tool and gear changing system. It is equipped with suitable guides for the axes, and its movements are electronically controlled.

A CNC milling machine ensures increased precision and productivity in a short time. Thanks to built-in software, measurements and actions can be saved, and steps can be repeated without going through the design and calculation process again.

Thanks to advanced technology, there are 3-axis CNC milling machines that allow large wooden workpieces to be machined to the highest quality. They are compatible with several software programs (MACH3, Aspire, Vectric), etc.

Choosing a carpentry tool depending on the base type

To process wood, there are 3 basic types of milling machines.

• Milling machine fix. This type of router has a solid construction, all the gears, motor, spindle, movable table, etc. are embedded in a solid chassis, the milling process being carried out efficiently and accurately. In the case of this type of milling machine, the wood must be handled by the operator.

• Fixed cutter and furniture. The combination router is excellent for carpentry workshops from hobby to semi-professional workshops. The processing of workpieces will be done quickly, due to its mobility, but disadvantages may arise due to human error in use. This router is also called an overmill.

• Milling machine in 3 or more coordinates. Also called a CNC router, this machine is the most complex of those listed above, because it works under the control of software, and the commands are operated by a computer. This facilitates millimeter precision, eliminating errors. One of the main advantages is that it can carry out the same project multiple times, with the accuracy of a Swiss watch. Although the process of use is more complex than classic milling machines, training and learning both the software and hardware parts can be done quickly, through the video tutorials present on our Youtube channel and other free sources available on the internet.

Choosing a carpentry machine based on milling power

The power of a wood router differs depending on the mode you want to use it for. If you want a router for hobbies and occasional use, you can opt for a power between 300 – 2200 W.

For a small to commercial-sized workshop, there is a wide range of models of different powers: from 1 kW to over 15 kW.

Choosing a carpentry machine based on the maximum rotation speed of the milling spindle

The maximum speed depends on the project you are working on and the desired result. On average, the maximum values ​​​​fall between 1800 and 24000 revolutions per minute. Of course, not all milling machines have the maximum power included in these values, because this aspect depends on the working regime: hobby, semi-professional or professional. The latter needs a much higher rotation speed, unlike the other two categories.

Choosing a carpentry machine based on the maximum milling depth

In order for the desired result to be achieved when processing wood, the depth must be adjusted correctly. Professional tools will provide your projects with high precision and performance. The milling head and the milling table help to adjust the optimal depth for the wood. This is determined by the feed speed, mentioned above. The speed must not exceed the maximum depth. There are devices that have a maximum stroke depth of at least 5mm to over 70mm. (figures given are ridiculous)

Choosing a carpentry machine based on milling methods

The working processes of a milling cutter, such as parting, roughing, grooving or milling, depend on the direction in which the cutting tool and the workpiece move. There are two categories of feed:

Milling in the feed direction

The cutter moves in the same direction as the wood, and the teeth of the machine climb up the material. This method is better because of the way the device comes into contact with the chips. They do not settle on the surface of the wood, but fly off it. The area remains clean, and the chips do not have to be removed.

State-of-the-art machines ensure superior finishing of the material, without the tool overheating during work.

Counter-feed milling

Up-cut milling is the most common method in woodworking shops and is considered the most efficient. The cutter teeth move in the opposite direction to the movement of the wood. This method is suitable for harder materials. The chips are thin at the base and thick towards the top, unlike up-cut milling, where the chips are thick at the base.

Woodworking according to milling tools

The milling machine knives are the essential tools in the milling process. A quality wood, processed according to the carpentry projects, is due to these elements. By choosing the right milling heads, the final result will be the desired one.

Milling knives can have a vertical, inclined or spiral blade. Of the many types available on the market, the most commonly used are:

• Groove knives. The groove milling cutter allows you to create an ornamental groove on the surface of the wood. These can be:
  • Straight – to create a rectangular groove;
  • "U" shaped thread – to create a groove with the pattern of the letter "U";
  • "V" shaped thread – used for imitation sculptures and decorative shapes;
  • "T" shaped thread - also known as "dovetail".

• Knives with the blade on the edge. The head is equipped with a bearing that makes it possible to cut the ends and edges of pieces of wood. Thanks to them, you can create:
  • straight lines – special for flat heads and rounded configurations;
  • saw head – suitable for curved or flat shapes;
  • conical head – ideal for decorative ceilings or furniture pieces with round shapes;
  • thread head – creates rounded walls;
  • loop head – has a structure capable of processing large areas of wood;
  • semi-rod head – the workpiece takes the shape of a rod during the woodworking process;
  • spiral head – resembles a spiral drill.

Milling knives are consumables. To ensure their longevity, ensure optimal cleaning after each use. Periodically lubricate the support bearing with special solutions for long-term operation of the heads.

Machining wood with a milling machine that has state-of-the-art functions guarantees high-performance results. If your workshop needs a quality or automated milling machine, review the machine's features together with a team of professionals in the field. That way, you will benefit from the best milling equipment for your carpentry projects.