![]() |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I was looking at what starter bit sets to get with my Stinger CNC.
Amana CNC bits has 2 large case sets. One more of a display set with LED's and another one with just Bits. I would like to try to work with most common materials so a big box of common used bits looks like a savings to me. Has anyone purchased these large sets and like what they got? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I always end up using less than half of most sets.
If you want to cut sheet goods, go with spiral downcuts or mortise compression bits.Both really. Get a 60 and 90 degree vbit. Get a few ball nose bits 1/8-1/4. Use the bigger ones for roughing passes. A few drill bits in 1/4 shaft and whatever sizes you need. You can do a lot with those few types. You need a spoil board surfacing bit. The camaster starter kit comes with most of that stuff with the exception of the mortise compression bits. After those few general types I would wait and see what you really need.
__________________
Jpscustomshop@gmail.com Industrial electrician by day, Cabinet and furniture maker by evening and weekend. Cnc newb. June 2017 Stinger 3 SR48 3kw spindle, FTC, Laser, Recoil, Hurricane V Carve, Mozaik |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
To overstate the obvious, what you want to cut determines what bits you need. You are better off buying specific bits than sets of bits.
If I were to put together a starter set for wood/plywood/MDF cutting and carving, it would be: 1/8" 2fl spiral downcut and compression. and maybe have an upspiral on hand. 1/4" 2fl spiral downcut and compression. maybe an upspiral also. 3/8" compression. 1/2" 2fl spiral downcut. 1/4" and 1/2" 60 degree vbit (3 or 4 flutes). 1/4" and 1/2" 90 degree vbit. 1.25 flat mortising bit (Yonico brand- cheap on ebay) 1/16", 1/8", and 1/4" ballnose (mostly if you want to do 3D carvings). If cutting composites (PVC, plastics, polymetal) and aluminum: 1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3/8" single flute Oflute upspiral Most of these can be found very cheap on ebay and Amazon. I use: carbidetoolsource.com for 1/8" and 1/4" 2fl spirals. Amazon for 1/8" compression bits. (Holzy is the name?) eBay, usroutertools.com, and centuriontools.com for Oflute bits and spirals. Amazon for 60 and 90 deg 1/4 4flute vbits. Bite the bullet and order multiples of each bit. There's no worse aggravation than snapping a bit and a replacement is 3 days away. You can get away with using the Irwin router bits from Lowes in a pinch.
__________________
Wes Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook Steel 5X10 Panther 5Hp ATC spindle with 8 tool carousel WinCNC VcarvePro 9.5 15Hp FPZ vacuum, phenolic plenum Last edited by guitarwes; 10-29-2020 at 09:53 AM. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Thanks for the info.
I think I'm going to dabble in every material listed in the set. It is definite pricey to get the case but I remolding my shop with my new stinger II and would love to make it cool looking. A place to motivate me. I did see the cheap bits on amazon and I figured I'm going to break many learning things. So I will get some cheap bits to go with this. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
"In general" I've never been a big fan of "general bit sets", even for just hand-held routers. But...I did buy the starter set when I ordered my Stinger II simply because I knew I would want to get started right away with learning and things like spiral bits were not already in my arsenal. Once I identified what I was going to be using the most or what my special needs were, then I started buying more thoughtfully. I do have some Amana specialty cutters and I use Whiteside 1/4" compression bits, but honestly, most of my tooling was purchased via Amazon and EBAY. Some is made in USA and some is globally sourced. And I keep extras of the things I used a lot of which helps me not break bits. They only break when you don't have an extra on-hand usually. :D
__________________
--- Jim Becker SR-44 (2018), 1.7kw spindle, Performance Premium, USB, Keypad, T-Slot table (y-axis configuration), WinCNC, VCarve Pro upgraded to Aspire Non CNC stuff... SCM/Minimax - slider/JP/BS Festool "a good collection" Stubby - lathe Oneida Cyclone more... Retired from full time work in the telecom industry 9/2017 Commission work for equestrian tack storage and other custom furniture and cabinetry Located Bucks County PA |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I purchased the large set of Amana CNC bits when I first started using my machine. Amana Tool - AMS-139 18-Pc Advanced General Purpose CNC Router Bit Collection, 1/2" Shank. Very pricey and I have used maybe four or five of the 18 bits. I still use the bits in the starter set as well. The only real difference is the 1/2 shank bits are a little quieter.
I am a little wiser now and when I have a project I think about what I need in a bit or bits and buy just what I need. I find that I usually have to buy bits that are longer or smaller. The smaller and over 3/4 inch cutting depth are 1/4 or 1/8 shank. You have to think about what material, depth and amount of detail along with how many bits you need to accomplish the task. The depth of cut was something I didn't account for especially if you want to cut through anything that is more than 3/4 inch. I don't do production work so I have the luxury of waiting for a bit. I wouldn't buy the Amana set today.
__________________
Keith Hyde, Winchester, VA 2016 Stinger 1, 1.7KW HF Spindle HSD Performance Package Pro, Vac, lathe, Aspire 10 Former Marine and retired Seabee Master Chief. Furniture is my hobby not my vocation. hyde.consulting@comcast.net Last edited by keithrhyde; 11-02-2020 at 10:52 AM. Reason: spelling |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I would also advise not to buy a set. Just buy tools as you find a need for them.
I prefer using the largest bit possible for a job. Mostly I use 1/2" shanks (or some 3/4" shanks for some of my larger bits). There are times you need 1/8" or 1/4", or the most common 3/8" compression bits. But if I can use a 1/2" I'll use it every time (especially a 1/2" ballnose - that is what I almost always use for any 3D toolpaths, but I'm building furniture and not doing your typical 3D relief carvings).
__________________
Russell Crawford Cobra 408 ATC with recoil Alberta, Canada www.cherryleaf-rustle.com |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|