Talk to me about bits!

[revwarguy]

Brand new Vcarve customer here. One of the first things to do is buy some bits. I want to do mostly signs of various woods, and maybe some plastic.

What would all you guys with experience recommend as a starter set of bits???

I am thinking -

1/4 inch 60 degree vbit

1/4 inch end mill for facing

1/8 inch ball bit


Anything else? Is there a bit you use 90 % of the time? If so, what is it?

Also, where is your favorite place to buy them?

Any help would be appreciated,

TIA,

[dertsap]

my favorite is 1/4" 20 deg for doing detail work that has depth to it

[revwarguy]

Has anyone tried the "Sign Lettering" bit offered by MLCS? It is 60 degree v bit but the point is flat across the bottom for about 1/8 inch. Is there a way to specify that to VCarve? The URL for the bit is:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...-Groove_Anchor

Thanks,

[Tony Mac]

This type of tool can be specified in the VCarve Pro Tool Database as
an Engraving cutter, where Flat Tip Diameter and Side Angle = half the
included angle, so 30 degrees for your cutter.

It's worth noting that the flat on the tip of the cutter will reduce the level
of detail that this type of cutter can carve / engrave. When machining small
projects then a sharp pointed cutter will give the most detail.

There's a list of cutter suppliers on the Vectric web site,

See > http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr..._suppliers.htm

I would say most of our customers typically start out with,

1/4" and 1/8" Diameter End Mills

60 and 90 degree V-Cutters

1/4" and 1/8" Ball Nose Cutters for 3D projects

I hope this helps,

Tony