Bit choices?

[rsetina]

I turned out my first test this evening and I think it came out pretty well for a first try. I used a 1/4 inch end mill to rough it out and a 3/8 inch cove bit for the finish. I know there must be a better bit for the finish pass. I just don't know what it is, so I thought I'd ask here for advise on a good collection of bits for general purpose CNC work for projects like this. I think I'm going to like this new aspect of woodworking.

[Adrian]

Something that size I'd be using a 1/8" ball nose bit with 8% stepover for the finishing pass. For 3D work it's hard to beat the set of bits that Gary Beckwith offers - http://beckwithdecor.com/index_files/Cutters.htm

[rsetina]

Adrian,

Thanks for the reply and information. I told my wife last night I should probably use a 1/8 inch bit, which I don't have yet, and I guess my intuition was right. I like the set Gary Beckwith has for sale. I'll put them on my list of things to buy, once I re-coop from the money I've spent already. LOL Ah... what's another $150.

[Leo]

I really like SGS end mills both in my hobby woodworking and also as a professional industrial metal cutting.

Here is an $8.50 Solid Carbide Micrograin end mill that will do an AWESOME job on the model you showed.
http://www.carbidedepot.com/detail.aspx?ID=23277

With a tiny stepover --- like .005 or .010 --- you would not even need to sand.

I use the SGS end mills with terrific results.

[rsetina]

That's a price that can't be beat but I use a Porter Cable 890 so I can't chuck a 1/8 inch shank. Thanks for the info though.

[BDM]

Adrian,

Thanks for the reply and information. I told my wife last night I should probably use a 1/8 inch bit, which I don't have yet, and I guess my intuition was right. I like the set Gary Beckwith has for sale. I'll put them on my list of things to buy, once I re-coop from the money I've spent already. LOL Ah... what's another $150.

This will save you a few bucks: http://www.precisebits.com/products/car ... 250b4f.asp

[rsetina]

BDM,

Thanks very much for the link. That's quite a savings.

[raymassez]

i use my 90 degree v bit, it takes longer but looks pretty good on hard wood.

[Leo]

I find 1/8 shank tools to be very common.

You CAN get a 1/8 collet for your PC router.

Here is ONE source - but there are others also.

http://www.veloxcnc.com/proddetail.asp? ... 0429-1%2F8

[rsetina]

I find 1/8 shank tools to be very common.

You CAN get a 1/8 collet for your PC router.

Here is ONE source - but there are others also.

http://www.veloxcnc.com/proddetail.asp? ... 0429-1%2F8

I looked for them but couldn't find them. My wife said I'm good at that. LOL
Thanks for the link Leo. I'll order one.

[Leo]

I find 1/8 shank tools to be very common.

You CAN get a 1/8 collet for your PC router.

Here is ONE source - but there are others also.

http://www.veloxcnc.com/proddetail.asp? ... 0429-1%2F8

I looked for them but couldn't find them. My wife said I'm good at that. LOL
Thanks for the link Leo. I'll order one.

Rick,

I think you will be happy that you ordered one. The world will be open to you now that you can hold a 1/8 shank tool. You may find good reason to use a 1/16 ball nosed tool for the fine detail that a 1/8 cannot get into. There are LOTS of cutters with 1/8 shank.

I do some laminated plastic name plates and I use .005 bits from "Bits and Bits" to engrave tiny text. I can make name plates down to 1" x 2" with ease. The plastic plates look like brass - but the core is black.

The SGS end mills I pointed out are excellent quality industrial grade tools. Don't let the low price fool you.

[rsetina]

Thank you Leo. I've only been here for a week or so and already found that everyone here is informative and helpful. I'm really looking forward to many days of good times in the shop. This seems to be opening a whole new world of possibilities.

[rsetina]

Leo,

Looking at Velox's website I see they are in Orange County near the restaurant where my son is the head chef. And they are open on some Saturday's. Sound like a quick lunch trip may be in order.

[Leo]

Leo,

Looking at Velox's website I see they are in Orange County near the restaurant where my son is the head chef. And they are open on some Saturday's. Sound like a quick lunch trip may be in order.

That is so cool!!