CNC Router Bits
Choosing the right bit for the job can be daunting but that's OK, I am here to help! For a comprehensive overview, check out the Guide-a-logue
For now here is a quick overview:
- Wood / MDF
- 2 flute up cut is more than fine to use but there are better suited cutters out there. Up cut does create a burr so it's OK to use when that is not an issue. These bits are great for roughing material before a 3D profile finish
- down cut is the "go to" for pocketing/ engraving. If cutting through, it will burr the bottom of your material though
- compression (up/down cut) creates a flawless top and bottom finish
- straight cut is the happy medium for both profile and through cutting. These do not pull up or down and leave a decent finish
- Laminates (Plywood)
- compression and straight cut are great because they will not rip the top and bottom layers
- Aluminium Composite Material / Panel (ACM / ACP)
- 1 flute down cut pushes the layers down rather than ripping up but still leaves a flawless bottom finish
- 1 flute for plastics and 1 flute up cut for aluminium are great alternatives
- Cast Acrylic / HDPE/ 2 ply colour ABS
- 1 flute for plastics bit ejects chips extremely well
- Aluminium/ brass /non ferrous
- 3D profiling
- 2 flute ball nose and 2 flute tapered end mills for 3D carving such as reliefs
- 1 flute V bit, 2 flute V bit full carbide and 2 flute router V bit for V carving
- Cove bit for large 3D contours
- Fibrous material / Carbon Fiber
- PCB Cob cutter are great to cut through those layers