Weston, the side by side comparison pics seem to have disappeared, but the thread still has some good info.http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18914
scott P.
2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
Maine
Thanks, looks like a touchy tool. I'll definitely give it a look again when I'm more experienced. It sounds expensive since you have to buy at least 10 at a time but the "create your own custom profile" feature on their website looks amazing.
In the mean time, I found this guy on amazon prime for 30 bucks. I haven't created any tools in the software yet, so that will be a learning experience (hope I don't break the thing) but my plan is to use it for edge detail and then some other larger bit in the Desktop Kit to remove the middle areas.
http://www.amanatool.com/routerbits/...ner-45783.html
I'll try a V-Groove as well, the kit came with a 90° but I think that will be too thick for me. I couldn't find any 60° bits in stock around town or on amazon prime shipping.
these are handy
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops..._bearings.html
a few extra PC collets help a lot if you have a PC router
The decimal point seems to be the most important on the z axis... x & y not so much....
ShopBot... Where even the scraps and things you mess up and throw away are cool....
Hello Weston. As to the Amana In-Groove bits, if you do a search, you will find comments from users of these that have had TERRIBLE problems with the tips of the bits breaking off!
In my case, I had tip failure in cutting MDF, at only 1 to 2 inches per second. Every sharp tipped cutting blade broke with only tiny amounts of usage. I called the company I bought this set from to complain (politely), and they referred me to Amana. I called the number I was given, and was put on hold for so long, I just gave up and figured I'd get back to them later..... but I never did.
When I related my experience with the Amana In-Groove bits here on this forum, someone recommended the CMT 60degree "Laser bit". I bought a couple up front, and those have worked great for me, provide wonderful detail, and have never had their tips chip!
I would be interested in seeing some of the printing plates you make, and your results in printing. I took a printing class at my community college, before I had my Shopbot. I have wished I had it at that time!
Thanks, Chuck
Chuck Keysor (circa 1956)
PRT Alpha 60" x 144" (circa 2004)
Columbo 5HP spindle
Aspire 9.0, Rhino 5
Not sure what size bits you are looking for
but visit a local cabinet shop or an engraving / trophy shop and they may know some places in Houston which have a lot of bits in stock.
The decimal point seems to be the most important on the z axis... x & y not so much....
ShopBot... Where even the scraps and things you mess up and throw away are cool....
I found a 1/32 downcut bit for inlay work. I have not tried it out as of yet. It has a 1/8 shank; but I was able to get a 1/8 collet and it all seems to fit together. It only has about 1/4 of an inch of depth of cut. I am hoping that it will do nicely. I got it and four other small bits from http://www.stewmac.com/ and the collet from http://www.elairecorp.com/ -- and again, I have not tried them out.... life just got busy.... I should get to it this weekend.
I just got a couple of these in a few days ago. I've only run one carving with it - but the 1/32" bit has impressed me so far.
Here's another "go to" company for small bits:
http://bitsbits.com/