Feed Rate on Router with Big Bit

I've got that "burnt popcorn' smell in my shop. I was cutting rather large (15/16ths) sliding dovetails in Douglas Fir 2x6's.

Because of the hardness of the wood and the size of the bit, I was feeding it fairly slowly. The bit is a brand new HSS tool. How does one gauge feeding speed with a routeer?

Gary Curtis
Northern Calif.
 
Feed as much as the motor will allow.

Now. That wide of a cut, I would take a straight bit and cut most of the center out first. Or take your tablesaw and make 4-5 passes to remove the center of the cut.
That will ease the burden of the router motor
 
I agree with the others. Large bits to me are 2" large diameter and bigger. Your bit should be OK at higher speeds if not full speed.

Could it be the HSS is dull already? I've never used one so can't say how long they last.
 
a bit is being fed correctly when you get light fluffy shavings.....if you`re getting dust or burning the bit is either dull or being fed to slowly or both...tod
 
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