What to buy for bits and collets and what else

[ramasule]

Hi,

I'm trying to get all the pieces together for my cnc.
I have bought some 1/8 bits to go into my dremel when using it.
Now I need the bits to go into a hitachi m12vc.

What are some good ones to get? (1/4, 1/2 endmills, bullnose, ballnose????)
Also what other things should I get (collets, quickchange, bit extenders????)

Sources for the pieces is also appriciated.

Thank you for your time,

Derek L

[Cartierusm]

I don't think you'll get much help with your post. Seems like you're fishing without doing any work. There are a lot of posts on here dealing with that, if you search around you'll find a ton of info. But mostly you won't get help because you asked too general of a question...almost like hey I need to get from my house to work should I get a wheel, a car, a bike, etc...

More info will be helpful. What kind of machine, what materials are you cutting, what spindle do you have, how fast do you want to cut etc.. etc...

[jdell42]

1/4" Upspiral is the bit I use the most.. but it depends on what you are doing and what materials you want to cut as Catierusm states.

[ramasule]

More info will be helpful. What kind of machine, what materials are you cutting, what spindle do you have, how fast do you want to cut etc.. etc...


Machine is a 3 axis 3 x 2 mill built out of steel. Plan on cutting wood.
I have a hitachi m12vc. Whatever fast I can go (machine isnt done yet).

Im just i guess what you said fishing for answers.

I have no clue when it comes to wood working and was looking for a good set of bits (must haves)

On the little bit of moddling ive done I know ive used endmills for cutting and ballnose endmill for contours.

I know some guy sin here have a quick change coupler that gives them extra length between bit tip and spindle edge which is something I would really like also.

Any help and bits would be good (or threads).

Thank you for your time,

Derek L

[ger21]

Originally Posted by ramasule that gives them extra length between bit tip and spindle edge which is something I would really like also.

Extending the length is usually a bad thing, and shouldn't be done unless it's absolutely needed. Using the shortest bit possible will usually give better results.

What do you plan on doing with your machine? That'll determine what kind of bits you need.

[ramasule]

Cutting out hardwoods, mdf
Plastics HDPE

[ger21]

Just cutting out flat parts? Get some spiral bits. I prefer to use a larger size, but a lot of guys use 1/4". Special bits for plastic are available, but standard wood bits will work OK.

[ramasule]

3D and 2D

Ive read some guys use up sprial bits and some down spiral bits for surface finish

I was planning on using as large as bit as i can for rough cuts and going down on size on the finish cuts.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by ramasule I was planning on using as large as bit as i can for rough cuts and going down on size on the finish cuts.

When cutting hardwoods, if the bits are sharp, you usually won't have to use a downcut spiral. With plywoods, though, you'll either need a downcut or compression spiral,

Also, with hardwoods, you have to be very careful when roughing and then going back and finishing, as some woods will tearout very easily when trimming the edges.

For 3D work, you'll usually want to use a ball nose tool. Carbide tipped versions are called core box bits and are a lot cheaper than spiral ballnose bits. For the smoothest finish, use the largest size that will give you the detail you need.

[ger21]

Just wanted to add, that I'd buy bits as you need them. Otherwise, you'll end up with bits you never use. I've been buying router bits for almost 20 years now, and I have some that I bought 10+ years ago that have still never been used.

[ramasule]

Thanks Gerry,

As always you have helped me out

Derek L

[jdell42]

Originally Posted by ramasule 3D and 2D Ive read some guys use up sprial bits and some down spiral bits for surface finish I was planning on using as large as bit as i can for rough cuts and going down on size on the finish cuts.

Up spiral bits leave a good surface finish as well... The materials I have used most often (MDF, Ply) the difference between upcut and downcut is not too noticiable until the bit gets dull.

I also have not seen too big a difference cutting HDPE with the specialty plastic upspiral vs. a standard upspiral.. in fact I need to pay special attention as to not get the bits confused since they are very similar.

I also agree with GER21.. dont buy more types of bits than you need...but the standard straight bits will always have a home.