Surface Quality of CNC Face-Milled Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Oak (Quercus robur) Using Two End-Mill Tool Types and Varying Processing Parameters

Face milling with end-mill tools represents a solution for woodworking applications on small-scale or complex surfaces, but information regarding the surface quality per specific tool type, wood material, and processing parameters is still limited. Therefore, this study examined the surface quality of tangential oak and maple CNC face-milled with two end-mill tools—straight-edged and helical—for three values of stepover (5, 7, 9 mm) and two cutting depths (1 and 3 mm). The surface quality was analyzed with roughness parameters, roughness profiles, and stereomicroscopic images and was referenced to that of very smooth surfaces obtained by super finishing. The helical end mill caused significant fiber tearing in maple and disrupted vessel outlines, while prominent tool marks such as regular ridges across the grain were noticed in oak. The best surface roughness was obtained in the case of the straight-edged tool and minimum stepover and depth of cut, which came closest to the quality of the shaved surfaces. An increase in the cutting depth generally increased the core surface roughness and fuzziness, for both tools, and this trend increased with an increase in the stepover value. The species-dependent machining quality implies that the selection of tool geometry and process parameters must be tailored per species.