New from Calgary

[Seamazter]

Hello all....
Im only a hobbyist starting up with a 12x18 inch machine,, its actually bigger then i need but will do just fine.

Im planning on cnc cutting Plexiglas and other soft plastics.
I have the machine on order with a dewalt 1/4 inch router.

My big question to you all is this,\
where and what type of end-mill bits should i be looking at?
I need to cut circles mostly but i will also be cutting keyholes into the face of the plexi.
Id like to make a large 3 inch thread too.
This in mind what type of bits will i be needing?

[Drools]

Cutting plastic can be a challenge. The challenge is in keeping the plastic from melting and gumming up the cutter and ruining the work piece. You must make sure you get a bit designed for plastic, usually up-cut, single flute; O-Flute bits are used. Onsrud makes them but they can be pricy. I have a couple of less expensive O-flute bits on the way and I will give you my thoughts on these bits once I use them.

[Seamazter]

Thanks.
I was more or less leaning to what type of bits, not the brand, but I do look forward to hearing about your experiences of the cheaper ones.
Peace.

[dustin1706]

good keyhole bit , haven't tried it in plastic though http://www.toolstoday.com/p-5070-key...uter-bits.aspx

Like drools says, cutting plastic requires proper bits and proper feed rates.

Here are some plastic router bits, I have had great luck with amana tools.
http://www.toolstoday.com/c-312-plas...uter-bits.aspx

Sometimes you can find some cheap bits that work great, but most of the time trying to cut costs on bits will give you a headache lol.

[rapidlock]

Also remember that not all plastics are created equal. I found that out the hard way when I started trying to mill clear acrylics. I had one hell of a time with it melting and gumming up, and then I found out that there are different types of acrylics. The stuff that melted horribly and gummed up was extruded, as soon as I switched to cast life got a lot easier.