Chipping while pocketing

I am trying to pocket cut a sign. I am having issues with the wood chipping. I suspect it is chipping along the grain line. These two pictures are when I tried offset pocketing, but I had similar issues with raster. Is there a better way of doing it? This is just the roughing pass and not the rest pocket (haven’t even got to that operation yet). This is the same cutter that I just used to do some profile cutting, so it isn’t dull. The router is set to the lowest setting, and the DOC and feed rate are the same as the profile cutting. Thie first picture it tore off part of the number 1 and the bottom of the H on the other.

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Yeah, that happens with soft wood quite easily. Try a 1/8 endmill if you haven’t done so. :slight_smile:

What are those numbers?

You can try a smaller Depth of cut, or step over. It is helpful for soft wood.

It is a 1/4” bit using a DOC of 4.76mm and speed of 50 in/min. I am thinking of using Millmage’s offset tool to move the cut away from the letters to get rid of the bulk of the material. Then use a smaller bit (1/8”) to clean that up.

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What step over?

Fantastic idea.

40% on that bit.