Sign bits?

[bpfohler]

I know this has been asked before and I've been searching the archives but still I'll ask.
What bits, lettering with rounded or flat bottom or v groove are you using for most of the signs you make?
Also whats the most common (60,90,120) bit and who are your suppliers?
Where do you buy your end mills and is there a single supplier for both?
I live on the east coast so I'd like to find somebody close.

[jseiler]

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/29/195.html

I run an old machine. I usually burn bits before I wear them out, so investing in really expensive bits isn't cost effective for me. I use amana bits (because my local true value carries them) and they are pretty good overall. I use a lot of their 1/4" 3/4 cutting length straight bits. When I order bits, its usually from mlcs woodworking. I've had great luck with their 1/2 shank 1/4" shear angle bits they just released. I did some corian profile cutting and dang, it was the nicest cut I ever made. No watermark lines and polished smooth.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_strai.html#shear_angle_anchor

a few have posted about centurion tools v bits. It looks at first glance that one could make them new again by a few passes with a diamond lap as all the angles on the cutter are flat. That's worth quite a lot to me as my current choice (freud 90 degree) isn't as easily resharpened due to geometry.

if you tell us how long you've been doing this, what kind of cut speeds you run, and what you are cutrting most often, we might have some other ideas for you.

If you cut a lot of plastic, some belin o flutes might be worth the investment. I've not worked with these, but the list raves about them.


Good luck,
John