What are essential CNC starter bits?

[Bill Krier]

Hello, I am trying to determine what would be the 5-8 bits that the beginning CNC owner MUST OWN for general use. Also, what are the most important features to look for in CNC bits? And finally, what's a fair price to pay for such bits?

I greatly appreciate your help!

Thank you!

[kaetamer]

Need to know what you plan to use the CNC for.

[Kyle Stapleton]

Shopbot has a starter set that there sell.
but it all really matters on what you plan to do, so if you could tell us what you will be doing it would help.

[coryatjohn]

>> Also, what are the most important features to look for in CNC bits?

Solid carbide bits seem to be the best.

>> And finally, what's a fair price to pay for such bits?

That depends on the overall length, diameter and type. I've paid from $2 to $120 for a single end mill. It's best to buy them before you need them so you don't have to pay for fast shipping and can buy when they are on sale. EBay has some good deals. Just keep your eye out for what you might need and build up an inventory. When you find an end mill that you like, buy a second in case you screw up and break it.

[David Iannone]

http://stores.ebay.com/carbideplus?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

http://store.shopbottools.com/collections/top-sellers/products/router-bit-starter-kit

Onsrud is a good brand.

1/4" and 1/8" endmills are what I use the most. But once you start buying bits, you will see it is very addicting. You can never have too many router bits. I have borken 2 or 3 on the same job. (my fault though, feeds/speeds where wrong. Was pushing the machine harder than the router bit could take.)

Welcome to the Forum.

Dave

[coryatjohn]

>> But once you start buying bits, you will see it is very addicting.

I casually mentioned to my wife that I had about $5k in end mills and she freaked out. I suggest keeping your addiction secret!

[David Iannone]

>> But once you start buying bits, you will see it is very addicting.

I casually mentioned to my wife that I had about $5k in end mills and she freaked out. I suggest keeping your addiction secret!


LOL John, you are right, the wife doesn't undertsand why. Doesn't the machine only need one bit she asks......hehe

[markevans]

Let's see? I might favor single flute a lot as I have a Dewalt 611 for my cuter but here goes, if I had to start over this is what I would start with these.

1) 1/4" single flute upcut, solid carbide, all of these will be solid carbide.
2) another of the above, it is my workhorse.
3) 1/8" single flute could be a upcut or a O, sometimes the 1/4 won't go everywhere.
4) 1/4" ball end, funny, I don't have one. Why not? This will be on my next order.
5) 1/8" ball end.
6) 90d vcarve, if you will do a lot of sign like stuff you may want to move this up, I mostly do "practical" stuff.
7) 60d vcarve
8) tapered end carving bit, I have one and have not used it, but I know that once it gets used it will become a staple.

After this just buy them as you want/need.

[Ajcoholic]

Again, what bits you will use will depend upon what you make. For me, I use these all the time:

-for V carving, a 60 and 90 degree insert bit (indexing disposable carbide knife in a carbide body). I like Dimar brand.
-for cutting 1/4" to 3/4" plywoods, a 1/4" diameter down spiral solid carbide bit
-for cutting G2S plywood and melamine, a 1/4" mortise compression spiral
-for cutting solid wood parts, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" down and up spiral solid carbide bits depending upon the part being cut, depth of cut etc.
-for 3D shaping furniture parts, a solid carbide ball end mill, up spiral 5/8" diameter
-2 1/2" carbide insert bit for surfacing my spoilboard.

I do have and use some specialty bits (ball end 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 - some extended length bits, etc) but not too often for what I do.

[Bill Krier]

Am planning to do a little of everything -- signs, relief carving, cutting out parts. Thanks.