Using bits with bearing guides on CNC ?

[DavidWeberRMHS]

Is anybody using bits with bearing guides on Shopbots? Wondering if this is even possible and if it is how is it set up?

[steve_g]

Bad Idea…
Unless you are using the CNC as a pin router and are moving the part/pattern by hand.

The CNC code is controlling the movement of the bit, conflict between the code and the pattern will result in either missed steps or a broken bit.
SG

[dlcw]

Like Steve said, I wouldn't recommend it. If vectors are even a little bit off from where the material is, you will most likely end up with either broken bit or the CNC will jam - if your material is held down REALLY well from moving - thus loosing steps and things are really messed up. Guide bearing bits are for the router table or freehand routing.

[EricSchimel]

David, what's the reason you want to do this? Perhaps if we knew why there could be another solution to your problem...

[DavidWeberRMHS]

I really don't have a specific project in mind I was just wondering if it was even possible. It doesn't sound like it is. One idea I had was decorative edge on a cabinet door after carving the center panel on the shopbot. Sounds like the solution is go back to the router table.

[DavidWeberRMHS]

Thanks all, kind of what I figured. Just thought maybe someone had a trick that I didn't know.

[garyb]

You can purchase plunging profile tooling for that
Google "Plunging profile router bits"
Gary