Most common bits

[mikeb]

Hey guys' what are the most common bits used on your machines.

[mikeb]

What I meant was what are the most common bits that should be on hand to handle most tasks

[Brady Watson]

The ShopBot Starter Bit Kit is a pretty good spread to get you going.

-B

[dlcw]

Mike,

A lot depends on what you are going to do with the machine. If you are mainly doing 3D carving then you will need a good 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" ball nose. You could also use a 1/4" or 3/8" super O single flute for rouging work.

If you are going to be cutting parts for cabinets out of sheets goods (plywood, melamine, particle board, MDF, etc) then you will need a good 1/4" and 3/8" mortise compression bit. These create excellent cuts and eliminate tear-out top and bottom.

If you are going to be cutting and machining plastics (lexan, plexiglass, etc.) you will need a good set of cutting bits for this material. Same goes with nonferrous metals and bits for that material.

For all the different work I do - cutting, carving, engraving, etching - in different types of materials I have a wide variety of bits. You never know what the next customer is going to walk through the door asking you to cut and/or carve.

For my main work (cabinetry and 3D carving) I have at least 3 of each of the bits mentioned above as backups because if I'm in the middle of a large job and a bit breaks I don't want the job to come to a halt.

If I was just using the machine as a hobby then I would have 1 of the bits I needed at the time and get bits as the need arose. Production needs are very different.

So you can see, which bits depends on what you intend to do.

But like Brady said, the starter kit is a good way to get going.

[joe]

Wow, this subject is reaching way back.

When other router friends come over for a visit, they always stop and look over all the wierd bits I've collected. Some of which are used very seldom but necessary. Last week Ron, my assistant, mentioned we didn't use much of any bits away from Belin O flute. Some of which are old but stay sharp.

A couple of years ago we ordered one of these fancy looking bits for Aluminum or Plex and set it aside. Then somehow we tried is out on DiBond, then on Oak, then PVC and it wasn't long before they became the flute of choice. They cost about $30, which isn't cheap, but they almost never need to be changed out. For us it's now the standard. I wish everyone had the chance to try one of these out.

[sailfl]

Joe,

Which bit are you using all the time?

[joe]

Nils,

Belin O Flute

[cabnet636]

this is onsruds video on bits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b5I3H2Hp6M

jim