Originally Posted by ClaudioG  I'm just trying to decide what router bits I should get in the USA to cover me for cutting and carving MDF, HDPE and some aluminium.
Here's what I think is a good start, which I mostly stole from VCarve Pro
- 1/4" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral
- 1/8" End Mill, 2 flute, up spiral
- 60 degree v-bit (diameter?)
- 90 degree v-bit (diameter?)
- ball nose (diameter?)
- 20 degree Engrave bit (0.02" diameter tip)
- Ogee 1/4" Radius, 1 1/4" diameter x 1/2" deep
- Roundover 3/8" Radius 1" Diameter x 1/2" Deep
- large bit for surfacing
I'm not too sure on what diameter bits to get for some. Any other suggestions? Are some not needed.
Most of what I will be doing is straight cutting, but I like VCarve Pro for the odd sign and would like to try and engrave some aluminium signs as well.
I assume I should be getting Carbide bits.
Can anyone suggest preferred USA based brands, part #s or suppliers.
Thanks
Claudio |
Hello Claudio
Most of my bits are 1/4" shank with a few 3/8" and 1/2"
Here are some links to the sites where I've purchased most of my bits.
When given the choice of shank length I normally purchase the longer shank.
I've picked up a few router bit sets from Woodcraft when they have sales. If you subscribe to newsletters you'll benefit from catching the sales when they happen.
As far as diameter goes, When using spiral upcut bits the majority of cutting will be done with 1/8" and 1/4". On the V-groove bit side I just pick up a selection of what ever I can find, however I find that I use the 1/2" the most.
Router Bit World http://routerbitworld.com/ 2 Flute UpCut Spiral
CMT
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/1304.htm
Freud
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/256.htm V-Groove http://routerbitworld.com/SearchResu...earch=v-groove Ball (Round) Nose
Freud
http://routerbitworld.com/category_s/175.htm WoodCraft http://www.woodcraft.com/ V-Groove 90 degree selection
CMT
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8250
Whiteside
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8053 V-Groove 60 degree selection
CMT
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8252
Whiteside
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8054 Woodworksers World http://www.woodworkersworld.net/v_groove_bits.shtml Rockler http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView....etest=1&gord=1
Signmaking Set $39.99
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...7&cookietest=1 American Carbide http://www.american-carbide.com/Woodworking/RB.aspx
Hope this helps and have a great time!!
Bob