Tapered Ball Nose 1/8

[applik]

Just thought I'd ask which you guys prefer when doing relief carving into wood (1/4 to 3/4" deep). Do you like the tapered ball nose or just straight ball nose? Ordering bits is like going to 31 flavors for ice cream! I really don't want to end up with bits we won't be using and I would rather have a stronger bit until we get the hang of this machine. That's another question - when you break a bit does it wipe out your project? I have some 1/4" ball nose to do the roughing with first but not sure about the time factor either. Guess I just need to dig in and put the bit into the wood.
Shari

[applik]

Do they have to be ball nose or can I just use the standard bottom on the tapered?

[zeykr]

You need ball nose for 3d work. I personally like the 1/8 tapered bn as I think it's stronger but have used straight shank 1/8 and even 1/32 ballnose bits. I just move the straight shanks ones slower.

[applik]

Ken,
I ordered the tapered ball nose 1/8tip with a 1/4" shank and 1.5 cutting length. I'm curious when would you use something as small as a 1/32? Is it for minitaure 3d in metal or do you use it on wood? It's a shame someone doesn't put together a bit recommendation guide for 3d carving into wood. Or do they?
Thanks,
Shari

[zeykr]

Have used the 1/32 bn doing some small carvings and initials in pistol grips and a couple other projects where the image is too small for a 1/8 to fit.