- eye and hearing protection — non-negotiable — possibly a respirator
- a trim router/spindle — some SKUs have them, others don’t
- a shop vac or dust extractor — don’t use the adapter/reducer, a 2.5" straight hose is much better than a tapered one and avoid reducers/elbows as much as-is possible
- Tools
- a good quality pair of wrenches which match your spindle [1]
- an inexpensive pair of calipers — these will help in calibrating the machine, and measuring stock thickness before cutting
- a suitable square may help in assembling the machine and in placing stock for cutting
- tools for post-processing cut materials — a small razor saw, or saw blade for a utility knife is useful for cutting tabs, a deburring tool is excellent for metals and plastics, files may help make some edges look nicer, I use a chamfering plane on some edges, some folks use chisels and/or gouges to cut tabs
- tools for processing stock for cutting — just a hand saw (for breaking down stock), and a drill (for placing holes for workholding) will make things far more affordable
- clamps for workholding: Workholding - Carbide 3D — the “Crush-It” set is awesome
- extra endmills — in particular, you’ll want our single flute tooling, #274, #278, #282
Some additional considerations:
- Additional assembly tools: Flush cut pliers (or scissors — fingernail clippers can also be used to cut a short zip tie with a nicely rounded edge), Needle nose pliers, Tape measure or ruler, Level, Pencil; possibly also Easy-peel masking tape, such as blue painter’s tape (nothing that leaves a residue behind), Adjustable wrench, Flashlight
- pendant option of some sort — a numeric keypad works well with our keyboard shortcuts
[1] — post listing tools for the Carbide Compact Router:
note that other collet systems require other size wrenches (wait to buy until you know what yours needs, and have an idea of how you’ll approach tool changes).