CNC Milling Bits
CNC milling machines need bits. They determine the kind of carving you can do, the resolution of your finished designs, and how fast you can move through the material. They come with cutting edges that pull up or push down (sometimes both), they have square or shaped ends, they are made for speed or accuracy, and they come in diameters from a pinpoint to over two inches for standard CNC routing.
CNC routers need bits. They determine the kind of carving you can do, the resolution of your finished designs, and how fast you can move through the material. They come with cutting edges that pull up or push down (sometimes both), they have square or shaped ends, they are made for speed or accuracy, and they come in diameters from a pinpoint to over two inches for standard CNC routing.
A machinist should be able to choose the right bit for a project. Let us now take a look at some of the common bits as their typical uses.
Endmills
Are you making straight cuts in aluminium? Get yourself a good quality spiral cutting endmill. End mills come in many different diameters. You can choose an upcut or downcut.
Assignment – Find out the difference between an upcut and downcut.
Ballnose
Are you carving large 3D contours or carvings ? You’ll want a ball nose bit that is appropriately sized for the level of detail in your model. Ballnose (aka contouring) bits are fantastic for 3d carving (think topographical maps and the grape relief on the sign at the wine shop).
You can carve with just the tip to get great detail and smooth contours or they can move a lot of material just like an end mill.
V-bits
If you want to do lettering or detailed sign making, you’ll need to get a v bit. These are sometimes called v-carving bits, v-groove bits, or engraving bits. This is the only way to get a sharp grooved bottom on the inside of those roman numerals for your sundial. They are available in many sizes and angles. The most common and useful angles in order are 60deg, 90deg, and 30deg.
There are many more types including corn bits, tapered ballnose bits, drill bits etc.
Suggested Reading – https://www.elephant-cnc.com/blog/complete-buyer-guide-of-cnc-router-bits/
Suggested Watching – 👇
