I’ve noticed a lot of guys who are skilled with inlays choose these tapered ball nose (?) end mills.
Looking for some info before I order.
I’m thinking of 6.35mm (.25") shaft and taper down to 0.5mm for small lettering etc
Or is 0.125" shaft better and different size ball?
If you do get them, be aware that Carbide Create do not support TBNs for doing inlays (or for VCarves). All the calculations are done assuming the bit comes to a point, so a TBN will cut everything too wide.
Other software might support TBNs, you’d have to look into it to be sure.
I cannot address your basic question about what bit to order. I can address that if you have a choice of a 1/4" or a 1/8" shank always get the 1/4". The 1/4" shank will be stiffer and have less flex. The doubling of the base of the router bit is significant. That does not mean a 1/4" shank bit is bullet proof but it is stronger and less flexible than a 1/8" shank bit.
The other reason for a 1/4" shank is more personal. I hate to change collets. I know it is not hard to change a collet but for some reason I hate changing them out. It is just a personal peccadillo that is unexplainable but changing a collet is a chore I would rather not do. So when I order new bits I try to find 1/4" shank bits. One of my favorite bits is a 1/4" shank 1/8" down cut bit from Grizzly. I use that bit when I need a 1/8" bit and it works quite well. I just tell CC it is #102 even though a #102 is an upcut it works fine being a down cut. I like simple. I know how to create custom tools but why make custom when the stock #102 works for my carving.
Chris, if you use CC inlay process use 0 tip Vcarve bits, everything else needs too much experimenting for my taste. Even with the 0 tip ones one needs some test cuts to find the proper parameters for the project.
And 1/4inch shanks are preferrable: stiffer, and more surface to hold the tool on. The more power a router has to put into the stock the thicker shank the professional carpenter or machinist uses: there is a reason or two.
Appreciate the advice, thanks everyone. I’m going to hold off on buying these bits for now.
I am by no means an expert at inlays, but have had success using a TBN bit with basic Carbide Create version 8. The bit I use is an IDC Woodcraft bit: Ultra-High Detail 3D Carving Taper Ball Nose Bit For CNC Routers, 1/4 Shank. For the female, I use a Max Depth of 6mm. On the male, I use the the Inlay Plug Mode with a Plug Depth of .1 mm and a top gap of 6mm. This results in a fairly tight fit, so you could probably play with these numbers, if you wanted. I got these numbers through trial and error and used info posted by Tod (with 1 D) to find them. I also use a 20 ton press I got on sale from Harbor Freight when I do the glue up to make sure the two sides are mated well. This is a picture of an end grain cutting board I’m currently working on using these numbers.
