Possible router gloat - but some questions...

[AndyBarnhart]

I think my new strategy for hollowing will be along the lines of what is show in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EZgb_L7YHE
I have some good carbide ball end bits. They are 1/4" and the extension shaft I ordered is a 1/2" shank with a 1/4" collet on the end. I also have a few mortising bits for final surfacing of cavity bottoms. I will get some "pure" 1/2" long bits also, but wow - $80 for 1 bit? Does it actually cut 3" deep by 1/2" wide in one pass? I am not sure my router is strong enough to do that. The method in the video is multiple passes, nibbling at the bottom. using an extension keeps you honest - it you run into too much depth you will just stop. What caused my troubles with that long 1/4" bit I tried is that when I ran into a high spot, it had blade all the way up the shaft and tried to cut that much, overheated and bent.

[Mike Davis]

The bit I posted is made for cutting steel, it will cut wood 1/2 wide and 3" deep in one pass if you go slow. But, it's always better to take multiple passes. I would take 1/2" at a time with that bit, no problem, no slowing down.

You probably don't need one that good nor that long, I was just showing what is available in the extreme.

[AndyBarnhart]

I was thinking about something like this:

http://www.right-tool.com/romcardc12x2.html