V-Bit Angles Explained: Choosing a V Bit for Signs and Engraving

A V bit is the sign maker's main tool. It turns a single vector into a line that's as wide as it is deep, which is how V-carving software produces lettering with crisp, sharp corners. Choosing one comes down to three things: the angle, the tip and the construction. This guide covers all three, along with how deep each angle can actually cut.

How the angle sets the line width

With a V bit, the width of the cut depends on how deep you go. A narrower angle cuts deeper for the same width. A wider angle cuts shallower and wider. From a sharp point:

• 60°: the line width is about 1.15 × the depth. It cuts deep and steep, which gives the most contrast in lettering.
• 90°: the line width is 2 × the depth. This is the all-rounder for signs, chamfers and V-grooves.
• 120°: the line width is about 3.5 × the depth. It cuts wide and shallow, which suits big lettering in thin board and decorative grooves.
• 10°–45°: very fine angles for small text and detailed engraving, where a tiny flat cutter would break.

Rule of thumb: the smaller the text, the smaller the angle. Match the angle in your CAM tool library to the bit you load, or the depths will be wrong across the whole job.

Tip size: point vs flat

Solid carbide engraving V bits come with a tip flat of 0.1mm, 0.3mm or 1.0mm. A 0.1mm tip gives the finest line and the sharpest inside corners, but it's the most delicate. A 0.3mm or 1.0mm flat lasts longer and suits larger work. TCT (carbide tipped) V bits are not a true zero point, so allow for the tip in your cut depth.

Which V bit

• 1 flute V bit: from 10° to 90° with 0.1, 0.3 or 1.0mm tips on a 6mm shank. Use it for fine detail and small text in wood, plastics, aluminium and brass. It leaves a slight burr on softer materials.
• 2 flute V bit: 20° to 90° on 3.175mm or 6mm shanks. Two edges share the load for a smoother line and faster feeds in timber. It's the best-value general sign bit.
• 3 flute V bit: 60°. Three edges take smaller bites, so you get a finer finish at higher feed rates in hardwood, MDF and ply.
• V router bits (TCT) and ARDEN V groove: a long carbide-tipped edge for deep V-carving, chamfers and 3D lettering on a CNC or hand router. They also cut ABS, acrylic, ACM and fibreglass.
• Insert V bits: 45°, 60°, 90° and 120° with a swappable carbide insert and a wider body. Use them for large lettering in one pass and for daily production sign work, because you only replace the insert.
• Panel folding V bit: 90°, 108°, 120° and 135° with a 2.28mm tip, for grooving the back of ACM panel so it folds cleanly.
• 90° chamfer mill (TiSiN): for chamfering, spot drilling and countersinking in steel and other metals. This is a metalworking tool, not a sign bit.
• Diamond drag engraver: for glass, metal and acrylic with the spindle switched off. The 90° diamond drags a line instead of cutting it.

How deep can each V bit cut?

The effective V depth is limited by the cutting length, not by how far you plunge. These are from our listings:

Adam's Tip

A V bit is a great alternative to a tiny straight cutter for fine detail. To get a line narrower than 0.5mm, use a smaller angle with a 0.1mm tip and cut shallow. Always test on scrap first to dial in the depth before you carve the real piece.

Frequently asked questions

What V bit angle is best for signs?

A 90° V bit is the all-round choice for sign lettering and chamfers. Use 60° for deeper, higher-contrast lettering, and 120° for large, shallow lettering in thin board.

What V bit should I use for small text?

A fine-angle (10°–30°) solid carbide V bit with a 0.1mm tip. The small angle keeps the line narrow without cutting too deep.

Why are my V-carve depths wrong?

Usually the angle or the tip in your CAM tool library doesn't match the bit. TCT V bits are not a true zero point, so allow for the tip flat in the cut depth.

Can a V bit cut aluminium?

The 1 flute solid carbide V bit cuts aluminium and brass for engraving. For chamfering and deburring metal parts, use the TiSiN 90° chamfer mill.