Dear All,
I would like to better understand milling bits types, their characteristics and their applications.
Which are the drivers to chose one or another (e.g. one ore more flutes, straight or helical, conical or cylindrical, Vshape/Ball nose)? Are there robust and flexible solutions that are able to handle different milling operations?
Do you know some online resource that I can use to improve my knowledge on this topic?
Thank you in advance!
Gabriele
I am not too sure of a real solid guide on this. Hopefully someone has a link.
If you could narrow down the types of materials you would like to start working with maybe I can help or find a more specific guide.
That is a great question for beginners. I went with Ryan’s suggestion and got the single flute 1/8" upcut bit from his shop. It works great for cutting out parts and pocketing in wood. I have to do almost no finishing other than rub my fingernail or a sharp edge along the corners to knock out the little curls that may be on the end. I am still learning how to use it effectively but for the projects I am doing, it works great. The tool is very easy to set up in EstlCAM. That is always a condition for a tool. You not only need to know its effects on a part, but first have to understand all the parameters for the tool setup in the CAM software and how it is going to work on a given material. You would be amazed at how precise and finished a part in pink foam is with just this bit.
I have tested some 1/4" router bits, but that is another level of planning and getting the profiles correct in EstlCAM which I use mostly. I stuck a cove molding bit in once and thought I had it all correctly set up and it just demolished the part. Would like to try again because I’d like to put some filets and chamfers on the edges of thicker parts, but I figured I would just keep working with the small endmill and getting more familiar with how the workflow should go.
I have used a 60º 1/8" vbit and have had some nice results. It will do some nice text carving if you have letters about an inch high and not wider than the bit in any place. V-carving bit sizes are important to understand because of the relationship between the lead in, the depth of the carve and the width of the widest part of what you are carving. I ordered a 1/4" 60º vbit to try out on some larger signs.
That’s all my experience that I have learned in the last five months since I started making chips.
Hi Ryan,
I’m starting making experience with plywood and MDF with my actual spindle (Dremel 4000) then I planning to update the spindle with a DW660 or an alternative that I can source in Italy in order to cut Aluminum.