A favourite of CNC enthusiasts is to 3D carve and a ball nose router bit allows you to do just that. These are a great entry level bits as the are value for money compared to tapered ball nose. The radius = 1/2 of the diameter with no flat bottom. These bits can also be used to engrave lettering.
Suitable for
- Plastics (ABS, acrylic, HPDE etc.)
- Wood (MDF, hardwood)
- Wood (Ply & softwoods)
Adam’s Tips
Cutting against the grain reduces fuzzy material forming in your carve. This can be set in your 3D carving software under the term "raster".
Best for
- Budget 3D relief carving in hardwood, softwood, ply, MDF, acrylic, ABS and HDPE
- Finishing passes after roughing with a flat end mill
- Engraving lettering with a rounded groove
Not for
- Very fine detail: use the tapered ball nose
- Aluminium and steel: use the DLC, HRC45 or TiSiN ball nose
Adam's Tip
Choose the largest radius that still fits the finest detail in your model, since smaller radii need a smaller stepover and take longer. Cut across the grain in timber to reduce fuzz.
Buying guide: Ball Nose vs Tapered Ball Nose for 3D Carving
41 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Yet to be run.
Still waiting to run the cutters. Expecting this cutter to produce very nice results.
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starting out
not used yet
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2 FLUTE BALL NOSE CARBIDE MILL (FOR 3D CARVING)
I received the R3, This bit gives an excellent finish and is great value for money. Another quality bit from Adam's Bits
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R3 x 6mm 2 FLUTE BALL NOSE CARBIDE MILL (FOR 3D CARVING)
Excellent Chips, great finish
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2 FLUTE BALL NOSE CARBIDE MILL (FOR 3D CARVING)
Great value, excellent quality
