Need bit advice

[zeykr]

For the kind of detail you are probably wanting, I'd be looking at engraving bits.

http://www.harveytool.com/SearchResu...graving%20bitt

[wespor]

As follow up, I've had some good and bad experience. Firstly, that 18° V-Groove bit I picked up from Amana was pretty incredible but it broke after about 4 hours worth of cutting. I ended up buying a 60° V bit from Rockler and it works well but it's definitely a little too wide. I think a middle ground will be perfect, a 30° or 45° is what I'm looking for now.

[Burkhardt]

I am using 30-degree V-bits a lot to cut the tool paths for my dovetail software. The best (and relatively inexpensive) I found are the 1/4" Kyocera bits. Nevertheless, any such bit will have a very slim and fragile tip and must be used with some care. Ripping the tip through hardwood at high speed will just break it. But I can do 1-1.5 ips at 18krpm in most wood without problem. A bigger diameter than 1/4" does not help you much with such a sharp angle because the flutes would become much longer than you could use.

Regarding the earlier mentioned CMT bits: since I got strange result with them, I measured the resulting groove angle on an optical comparator and did the same with other V-bits that I have. While most bits have some minor error, this is for all others less than 1 degree and for some barely measurable. However, the supposedly 60 degree CMT bit cuts a groove of only 55.5 degree included angle. Maybe I got a bad bit but find it unlikely. I may use it anyway and just create the appropriate tool in the database.

[wespor]

The best (and relatively inexpensive) I found are the 1/4" Kyocera bits.

Thanks, that looks good and it ships from a little town not far from me.

[curtiss]

Have not posted this in a while. AutoCAD is so handy...

[wespor]

Ohh that's helpful.

Has anyone stumbled onto a bit like these but cheaper? They are 30 bucks a pop and I can't really afford that, especially if will break or dull quickly but the shape seems to be perfect for what I want to do.

[scottp55]

Just got the 60 degree.Haven't used it yet, but it's onsrud.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00746V5MA/ref=biss_dp_sa1