"Upscale" wrote :

Was is a carbide spiral cutter or a steel one? So far I've only been
able to find steel ones (1/2"shank). Considering the number of holes
I'd like to drill, I'm concerned that a steel one will wear out or
at least lose it's edge before I'm finished.
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Which is why I posted my previous mea culpa.

Given your bench is only 1-3/4" thick, a 3/4" x 2", 2 blade straight
cut router bit with 1/2" shank shouldn't have a problem clearing the
chips.

If it were 3"-4" thick, different story, but it's only 1-3/4",
different story.

Just make sure to use ac backer to eliminate tear out.


Lew