Sign Shop needs help choosing router bits

[signtist]

Hello Everybody, I'm the new kid on the block now and just got my ShopBot up and running. I've had my sign business for almost 30 years now and mostly making carved wood/sandblasted wood signs and cut-out letters using the normal wood shop tools.
Can someone suggest the most popular router bits to buy for cutting wood, plastic, and foam.
I'm going to put and order together for "Onsrud" router bits. Thanks in advance John

[jhicks]

Welcome John, you are about to engage on an interesting journey so try not to get too impatient. For starters you could get a few end mills, V bits, and ball nose/core box bits. As far as size is concerned, don't try to do it all at once but rather learn the software, machine, and test for desired results on some basic art you feel is appropriate to achieve your vision and compliment your design skills.
So........ I suggest a few spiral upcut end mills lets say 1/8" 1/4", 3/8",and 1/2" a 90 V and a 120V (look at hersaf for insert bits on V and ball nose) and maybe a 1/8", 1/4" and 3/8" ball nose.
Once you run a few design and cut files, these should take you a ways before you realize you might want an 1/8", 1/16" or 1.5" in any of these basic shapes/gometries or toward more options.
If you want to cut acrylics, gator foam, or hdu these will get you started as well but super O flutes from Onsrud are also very useful when ready.
Good luck and enjoy the journey.
Post photos when you have results and ask questions. Lots of folks out there have "been there/done that" and are happy to help.
I can't believe it's only been a couple years since we bought our bot and it's been an interesting ride. This forum being one of the best groups of people and resources on the web I can imagine. Where would we be without the web???

www.wellhousewoodworks.com (http://www.wellhousewoodworks.com)
www.whww.blogspot.com (http://www.whww.blogspot.com)

[joewino]

Welcome John. My best to you on your new adventure.

Jerry said just about everything you need to know. I would also suggest buying an extra collet as a spare, because sometimes they are damaged if a bit breaks and it will throw everything off balance.

Looking forward to seeing your success with your new ShopBot.

[jamesgilliam]

John, Best wishes with your new Bot! Jerry did a great job on outlining bits for you to start with. The only other two that come to mind that we use alot would be a 60 V and a 1/2" ball nose. Raymond is right about the extra collet also. I have several of both the 1/4" and 1/2" in my box, along with a couple 1/4 to 1/8" bushings for smaller bits. James