Ball Nose?

[coryatjohn]

I want to get a set of ball nose bits but there is a huge variety from many manufacturers.

I will be using these bits on hardwoods mostly.

1/2" 1/4" 1/8" other sizes?

Any recommendations? (manufacturers and part numbers please)

Thanks.

[Brady Watson]

You want 2-flute ball end mills in solid carbide. Always go with the shortest length of cut that can get a given job done. Otherwise you will experience unnecessary cutter deflection. So you will want a variety of lengths in your stash.

If you have a spindle I recommend getting (from SB) an 1/8 and 3/8" collet to supplement your 1/4 & 1/2 ones. If running a router, I recommend a stubby collet chuck from Enco, and an 1/8" collet. The 1/4" shank to 1/8" ball that comes in the SB starter kit is a nice robust bit, but I think it is a waste of money on most jobs @ around $60 a pop...considering that you can get super extra long 1/8" ball end mills for under $20 ea in micrograin carbide. Do not run HSS on your machine - it is a waste of money unless you are cutting AL.

I get all of my end mills from Andy @ ObregBrothers.net. Calling them is best. They carry top quality bits at low prices. They sell Harvey, OSG, SGS, Micro100 - all are well known in the end mill industry as being excellent tools & they are all I run.

-B

[adrianm]

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with the Beckwith ball nose bits for your smaller sizes - http://www.beckwithdecor.com/index_files/Cutters.htm

I have the coated set and use them in oak all the time with excellent results.

[coryatjohn]

I called Andy over at Oberg Brothers. He's sending me some suggestions. His prices seem quite reasonable.

Thanks!

[coryatjohn]

Never got a reply from Andy. I bought a set of the small coated bits from beckwithdecor.com. I still would like a couple more (3/8 and 1/2) so I'll keep looking.

[Brady Watson]

I had to order some tooling today and asked what was up with your stuff...Apparently, you called 5 min before closing on Wed and ask for a pretty substantial list of bits in multiple diameters and lengths. The list was emailed to you yesterday. Oberg's is like going to a professional supplier instead of retail like Woodcraft. You'll get better stuff at a lower price. That tapered 1/4" shank 1/8" tapered ball that everyone loves for 3D cutting is like $60 from Onsrud and others. Oberg's sells them (in micrograin USA carbide...not import junk like the bargain ones) for around $35 or so. When you call, know what you want.

In regards to coated bits, unless they are diamond and you NEED them for certain substrates, save your money. They will do nothing but drain your wallet. Those coatings need to get much hotter than wood cutting will produce before they work...so just get the bright ones.

-B

[coryatjohn]

@Brady - I never received the email from Andy. Too bad as I spent $175 for three itsy bitsy bits yesterday. I kind of got the feeling that he didn't really want to discuss the details with someone who didn't know jack about the topic. I don't blame him for that. Newbies are extremely annoying to those in the know. I'll write back to him and try again.

[Brady Watson]

Check your PM.

-B