Bit questions

[Steve Wojo]

Im still a rookie here, had my shark for about a month, doing some basic stuff.

Im looking to expand my bit catalogue a little, Im wondering what are some MUST HAVE bits I can spend a few bucks from my tax return on.

Im looking at the Amana replaceable tips set 30 and 60 degree first and foremost.

I do have a question, if doing raised letterng type of sign what bit is used for the first pass? I have an 1/8th straight bit Ive messed with, just wondering what other options are out there.

Thanks in advance and keep the great ideas coming in!!

Steve

[milo30]

Everyone's must have are different depending on what they do with the machine. I imagine for most the basic is 1/4" endmill, 90 deg .5" vbit, maybe a 60 degree vbit and a ball nose. I really never do 3d stuff and never use the ball nose. I use 1/4, 1/8" endmill as well as the 2 vbits mentioned. My 60 degree is a 1/4". I also have started doing acrylic so I picked up a diamond drag bit that I love.

Trying to buy different bits in advance can lead to having a large collection that never get used. It wouldn't be idea but I could almost get by with one end mill, one vbit and the diamond drag for almost everything that I do if I had to. If you want to do 3d stuff, therre are other bits that you would want. I'll let someone who does more of that work talk about them. I know people use the amana that you are talking about and love them.

[Steve Wojo]

Ive been going through a ton of sites, what are the tapered ball nose for? Are they for 3D stuff? As much as I want Aspire its not happening soon so instead its a few quality bits.

Thanks in advance again.

And for the record as of now Im doing some basic Welcome type signs, lots of line art. I really like he raised lettering and what it offers hence my questions regarding best bits for that application.

Steve

[tonydude]

Steve,

I do a lot of 3d work and these are the bits I use. 1/8"= .125 ball nose bit, 1/32"= .0625 ball nose bit. I use aspire for 3d stuff and you can also use cut3d. I use a 1/4"= .25 end mill for roughing pass first, then a 1/8'= .125 ball nose bit for finishing pass or sometimes a 1/32"= .0625 for finishing depending on how much detail there is.

Tony

[ohiococonut]

I also use small tapered ball nose bits for fine detail.
Actually 1/16"=.0625 & 1/32"=.03125

The 1/32" bit I reserve for small 3D carvings that require very fine detail.

I generally try to size my bits by the amount of material I need to removed and use the largest one possible.

[James45]

tapered ball nose primary reason is for stiffness and if doing tapered walls. Originally from mold making

[Consultingwoodworker]

I like using the tapered ball nosed bits for inlays. They leave a very slightly tapered edge on the pocket, and on the inlay. If you cut your inlay upside down, then the parts fit with a 'scarf joint' which shows much less than a straight sided joint.

As far as the bit selection goes, buy what you need as you need it. That will usually give you the best value. Buying sets or a list of bits often means you have a few bits that get used all the time and several that collect dust.

Ralph