PreciseBit's Fret Cutter

[wbegg]

Has anyone had any experience with this bit? I'm wanting to transition to cutting my fret slots for guitar necks with my CNC, as opposed to my old method of saw and miterbox.

What are the proper feeds, speeds I need to use for rosewood or ebony? What is the recommended depth of cut?

I guess I could buy two and experiment, but would rather rely on someones experience to get it right the first time. Thanks for any replies.

This is the bit. 3 flute. Part# MM3I8-0230-009F UltraBIT Fret Cutters

[ger21]

It says 20ipm@40Krpm and .1 depth. Never used one, though.

[wbegg]

Thanks Ger21, guess I should have read a little further on their specs. I'll order a few and report back on the results.

Anyone else have experience with these bits? I know their bits are pretty high quality and reliable.

[CyborgCNC]

I used the bits....

They are good bits, and with a low run-out on your router (make sure it is) you get some very good cuts.

I tried pushing on to about 20 IPM, at about 16K RPM, and cutting a Macassar ebony Fret Board, the bit broke...so they do break, since it is small. I have kept it to about 15IPM or so, and I have been fine since....

Just my experience...

[RandK]

Ron's got an article about finding the sweet spot F&S under reference and tutorials on his site. Individual pieces of rosewood and ebony can vary so either you pick a slow enough speed that everything works or adjust the speed as you watch the cutting action. Packing of the chips/dust is a big issue with these small agressive cutters and can make the bit wander. I think I'm using 15ipm at 18k .050 doc. Single pass at a slower speed also works but the chips will be very tighly packed in there unless you have a good air blast going. Ebony and RW dust is not good for the lungs.