First of all, I'm sure everyone asks this kind of question, but my search didn't turn up much. It seems to me there should be a pinned thread on the subject?
My long awaited CNC router is finally ready to be picked up! But I don't have any cutters for it yet.
I want to be prepared to do most things, from 2D cutting to 3D carving, all on plywood/ MDF/ HDF.
My machine is a ShopSabre 23, which has a 5" gantry (spindle lifts up 6" above bed) and a 1.7kw air cooled spindle. It comes with 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2" collets. Cut speed is around ~300ipm. (I don't know if the machine's specs will affect bit selection all that much, but just in case.)
Simply put, what are the types of bits that are essential and most useful? Also, what bits are not very useful?
Also, what shank size should I pick? Is there a rule of thumb for deciding? I will have up to a 1/2" collet, but I don't know if/ when the larger diameter shank is a good idea?
If left to my own devices, I would just order few down cut bits, compression bits, straight flutes, bullnose cutters, tapered spirals, etc. I do plan to buy a 2.5" fly cutter w/ inserts, but I haven't decided on anything else yet.
My long awaited CNC router is finally ready to be picked up! But I don't have any cutters for it yet.
I want to be prepared to do most things, from 2D cutting to 3D carving, all on plywood/ MDF/ HDF.
My machine is a ShopSabre 23, which has a 5" gantry (spindle lifts up 6" above bed) and a 1.7kw air cooled spindle. It comes with 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2" collets. Cut speed is around ~300ipm. (I don't know if the machine's specs will affect bit selection all that much, but just in case.)
Simply put, what are the types of bits that are essential and most useful? Also, what bits are not very useful?
Also, what shank size should I pick? Is there a rule of thumb for deciding? I will have up to a 1/2" collet, but I don't know if/ when the larger diameter shank is a good idea?
If left to my own devices, I would just order few down cut bits, compression bits, straight flutes, bullnose cutters, tapered spirals, etc. I do plan to buy a 2.5" fly cutter w/ inserts, but I haven't decided on anything else yet.