Routing: Max Metal vs Starbond vs Omegabond

[Zac]

We were told by our Esko rep that Max Metal was the worst brand of ACM to route because it eats up router bits faster than other brands. Does anyone have experience with this? We get a good price on it ($2 cheaper than comparable brands) but if it's tearing up $40 bits left and right it's not worth it. He said they've had it tested and it contains metals other than aluminum that contribute to the cause.

Anyone with first hand experience or preferable brand to route?

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

Buy cheaper bits, any ACM/ACP panel will destroy bits. We used to use Onsrud and Belin bits for our iEcho cutter, then decided to try the Huhao bits that originally came with the machine and at $2.89/ea they are lasting a lot longer than the Onsrud/Belin for ACP and they also don't hurt as much when they dull out or break.

We use these bits to Cut Maxmetal, Alucabond, M-Panel, E-Panel, BeBond, DiBond, PolyBond

 

[DerbyCitySignGuy]

We use ePanel, Duratex, and DiBond. They all eat up bits. Like 2CT said, you're routing metal. If you can't or don't want to use cheaper bits, just pass the cost of the bits on to your customers.

 

[LarryB]

I have found using climb direction I get a lot more out of the bits. With conventional direction the aluminum composite will destroy the bits faster.

 

[ChrisN]

I bought some cheap $9 carbide bits from sign-in-china.com so I wouldn't feel as bad throwing them away so soon. They last just as long as a $30 USA made bit. I route Alupanel and Maxmetal DP, and haven't really noticed a difference between the two.

2CT Media - where do you buy the Huhao bits from? Are they carbide or just HSS?

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

Here are the ones we buy: 10pcs/set 3.175*15mm HIGH Precision Grind Single Flute Spiral Router Bit carbide milling cutters for wood cutting-in Milling Cutter from Home Improvement on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

[rossmosh]

End mill,X-Carve,X Carve,Carbide drill bits,CNC tools, Micro Drill Bits,engraving bit,HSS Drill,router bit,Pin Vise,Model drils,Jewelry Bit,MOdel RailRoad,Model Airplane,Model Ship,Carburetor tuning,Carb Tuning,Jet Drill,X-Carve,X Carve tools bits

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

End mill,X-Carve,X Carve,Carbide drill bits,CNC tools, Micro Drill Bits,engraving bit,HSS Drill,router bit,Pin Vise,Model drils,Jewelry Bit,MOdel RailRoad,Model Airplane,Model Ship,Carburetor tuning,Carb Tuning,Jet Drill,X-Carve,X Carve tools bits

Do you use any from them? We are interested in them for the depth stop rings and the faster delivery