Help me finish this...

[steve_g]

Recently I was challenged to try to create a document/lesson on router bits. This challenge was precipitated by questions asked on the forum by both newbies and more experienced users. I, and I'm sure others assume people know what we know, so when we give an answer to a question we cause more confusion.

When I answer a question, It's based on my circle of experience... recently, an answer I gave on the forum was kindly corrected by another with more experience. This is what I hope to achieve with this document/lesson. I'm putting it out for peer review and correction.

It is my hope that this can be a resource for educators, hobbyists, and professionals alike. I intend that no previous knowledge is assumed, and if a topic is not thoroughly covered, direction to more information can be given. To the experienced professional... what knowledge would you like to assume a new hire has? Help me document it here.

Your suggestions are welcome both on the forum and by PM. And please, let me know if you don't wish to have your name included in the list of contributors.

Steve
EDIT:
Please go to later posts in this thread to get updated versions of this document. SG

[myxpykalix]

one of these terms i have seen used I wasn't familiar with so i just learned something

And who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

[chiloquinruss]

I like the scope of the project and I think you have really good start. The biggest problem I had when I first got my Bot and therefore my first set of router bits was actually pretty simple. I had computer skills with NO wood skills. ALL of the router / bit terminology ASSUMES a knowledge of wood or substrates in general. I had no idea what the heck they were trying to tell me! What would have been very beneficial would have been a simple photographic comparison showing three things:

1. a picture of a router bit, with brief text about it's intended use
2. a picture showing a GOOD cut, and
3. a picture of an abnormal cut, with brief text about the probable causes
This chart would show lots of different kinds of bits, vbits, ball nose, tapered, 2 flute, etc,. Not more than 1 or 2 of each basic type. This would be followed by your much more technical description and further explanations of cause and effect.

If you follow the threads on here we get tons of wordy problems posted regarding fuzzies, burns, broken bits, how do I . . . .etc, followed by a battery of knowledgeable replies asking for an example pix! Once the BAD / problem pix is posted there are a ton of really good solutions, such as speeds, bits, feeds, etc. So the photo chart would be my wish list. A couple of years later there are still a ton of substrates and bits I have not tried. Russ

[steve_g]

Thanks to all who gave input both on and off the forum! A general consensus would seem to be 'add many illustrations!" This is not surprising as those of us who like working with our hands tend to be visual learners...

I will not search the forum for photos and risk using someone's image without their permission, however... if you have something you think may be pertinent and are willing to let me use them... please attach them here or send them to stevedotglasselatsgmfgdotcom. Just to be perfectly clear... there is no intent to make a document that will ever be any thing but free to those who want to download it.

Thanks again for encouragement and ideas...
Stay tuned for version 2

Steve

[penman]

Hi Steve,

I find the document you are providing interesting,and would like to commend you for going to the effort and trouble and I am sure many new user's will find it very helpful.

Once again, well done.

Cheers and regards,

Roger.

[steve_g]

Well... here it is Version 2.0 In an attempt to assume no previous knowledge, I've included more definitions and many illustrations. I have attempted to make it an interesting read... my wife says I failed... but she has no interest in the topic. Keeping the document "Basic" yet accurate is difficult.

I'm still open to suggestions and illustrations and please check me for accuracy. The document is to large to post anywhere on the forum so the link is to my Google Doc.s account. Some of the illustrations do not display correctly unless you download the PDF to your own computer.

I figure at least one more document revision will be necessary, I'm lacking especially in the areas that refer to metric tool sizes.

Thanks again to all who offered support, suggestions and criticism.

Steve G

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8G...THBEbmtBZk1mUQ

[genek]

You may want to say what each style of bit is normally used for... And maybe show some examples.

But i think you are doing a good job and something that new shop botters need to learn..

[beacon14]

Excellent job, the only thing I see is the illustrations of Climb and Conventional cuts have the rotation of the bit reversed from the way it actually cuts in the machine.

[steve_g]

rotation of the bit reversed

OUCH!

But that's why I asked...

Steve

PS Did anyone like the alternate definition of "chipload"?

[steve_g]

Dana...

You are of course correct, help me here... is a core box bit a class of it own or a type of nose or ball?

Steve