Single Flute Router Bits

[AgGEM]

I got a Freud 3/8 straight bit and when I got it unpackaged I realized it was a single flute. Never used one. Never even seen one. Really did not know such existed. I thought two flutes was the minimum.

So I tried it and it performed very well milling some slots for Dutchman repairs.

So now I am wondering the what's and why's of a single flute.
What are they intended to do verses two flutes?
Ag

[Stwood_]

Cut quicker and easier. I would rather have single.
2 flute isn't any smoother from my experiences. Maybe a little less chance of tear out.

[fredhargis]

I have a couple, but they are the smaller sizes...1/4". A few months back Brian (Holbren) got hold of a special buy on some form Whiteside, they were 1/2" cutter with a flush trim bearing. Somewhere in the thread I recall someone saying these bits were made for cutting aluminum.

[KyleD]

Heat is the main killer for high speed tool edges. This is why a machinist looks at the color of the chips coming off his tooling to gauge if the surface speed is too fast or slow. A single edge bit has more room to clear the chips and debris that can retain the heat. this means the bit can run cooler if it is not pushed beyond its limits such as taking too much material at a bite.

[AgGEM]

Thanks folks!
Ag