Hey, any great resources out there for choosing bits? We have a project that needs a 1/8" bit and I’m trying to see if we should just burn through lots of lesser-quality bits or if there are options that would last a lot longer and stay sharp.
I will be cutting 3/8" Baltic Birch.
Any thoughts on this or can someone point me in the right direction?
Many thanks,
ZZ
There’s a bit written on this at: https://docs.carbide3d.com/support/#tooling-support
and there’s a bit more on the wiki: https://wiki.shapeoko.com/index.php/Endmills
For plywood you’ll probably want a downcut endmill, for wood, uncoated carbide should be okay — the expense angle is a tradeoff, but I’m not aware of a source of inexpensive downcut 1/8" endmills, though maybe a straight-flute would be okay.
I bought these a while back and have had good results with them…
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073TXSLQK?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Looks great for the price. How long do you feel each lasted?
Many thanks Will. Always appreciate your input and advice.
So far I have used one to cut out around 150 coasters with very few (if any) signs of dulling. For reference, the coasters are made from 3/8" thick pine with at least 1 coat of finish applied and cured before machining. And the cutout edge is kind of a stair step design that is a lot more cutting than just a straight outside profile path, see pic.
Another i have used to cut around a dozen small walnut valet trays and it went through them like a hot knife through butter. So, at the least they are sharp and last long enough for the price IMHO.
I have also run the compression bits by the same vendor and they have worked great, as well.
Another great company I source endmills from is
Quality endmills and great customer service. I think they sell on eBay, as well.
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
