On Apr 25, 3:22*am, "Bill" wrote:
I wish to cut 1/2" wide mortises all the way through a fourbyfour (cutting
from both sides of course). *Was just about to order the Amana bit# 45426
which is a double-fluted straight plunge bit, with 1/2" shank, 1/2" cutting
diameter and a 2" cutting height.

Will use a DeWalt 2.25HP Router. * Is the above bit adequate for this job
(or do I need to look at spiral-fluted)? *Just because the bit has a 2"
cutting height doesn't mean I should plan to try to cut more than 3/16 to
1/4" at a time, right?

BTW, Swingman, you were right--there are more bits than I thought out there!
I assume that since I have a plunge router that I'll be able to extend the
abilities of a single bit a little. *For instance, using a bit with 1.5"
cutting height to cut a 1" deep groove. *I know, of course, that one should
not use a bit that is too much longer than necessary due to deflection and
vibration, etc. * I don't have any router bits at all yet, and my router
hasn't even arrived yet, so I sure I'm destined to learn a great deal! *I
can try my hand at chisel-sharpening in the meantime.. *Probably should dust
off Bill Hylton's book (on the router) on my shelf...

Bill

Done it with a PC 693 and a long 1/2" carbide bit. 1.5 hp
is more than adequate, since you can only take shallow
passes without clogging the mortise with chips. Hogging
out with a drill before routing is definitely advisable.