Router bit selection HELP!!

[myxpykalix]

Ok I haven't got my bot yet (friday...yaa) so I don't know all what i need in terms of router bit collection. I am getting an indexer to do archticetural columns, and a prober to copy things. I know i want to do signs, columns (spiral, flutes, beads...I have that covered) but i want to do things like grapevine patterns on columns for example.
I want to do some 3d carving (pictures on a box lid) eventually do lithopanes so if you had a $500-$1000.00 budget for bits what would you buy?

Also is there such a thing as project plans out there that tell you not only how to make a particular thing but also tell you what bit selection you need to make it? Any help would be appreciated....thanks

[myxpykalix]

follow up question....some of these smaller bits like the ball nose bits for example 1/4", 1/8" do they come in 1/2" shank or should i get the 1/4" shank and does it matter?

[drodda]

You are going to need 1/2", 1/4", and 1/8" collets. I use all of them about every time I turn my bot on. Most small detail bits are 1/8" shanked.

I started with the sample pack that shopbot offers and some of them have never been used but I have a drawer full of more bits for more different things than I could post here. About every week since the bot arrived I find myself buying bits.

[wcsg]

My suggestion is everytime you buy a bit you like/need, at least buy two of them.

[mikek]

Jack, go to ENCO and look up 308-0018 1/2" Shank Stubby Collet Chuck $49.95 and 891-6984 ER Series Spring Collet 1/8". You can use 1/8" end mills, ball end mills etc in it and it will have a 1/2" shank sort of. You can get spring collets for 1/32" to 1/4" bits.

[trakwebster]

Mike, does that ER Series Spring Collet require some sort of special wrench to tighten the bit inside?

[mikek]

It has a regular hex nut on the end for tightening. No special collet wrench should be needed for this one. Here is the picture in their catalog.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=296&PMITEM=308-0018