Spoilboard levelling bit

[Coogara]

Does the Desktop model include a bit for levelling spoilboards? If not, what bit is recommended for use with the 1HP spindle?

Thanks

Graeme

[ron_moorehead]

I use a 1" Mortising bit like this one from Amanda
http://www.amanatool.com/bits-fv/45560.html

The spindle should handle it just fine I have the same setup on my DeskTop, you don't need to take much off of the spoiler board, I only go down about .01"

[Ross Leidy]

I think the Desktop starter bit set comes with a 1/2" diameter bit with 1/4" shank for leveling. I've not leveled my spoilboard yet, so I'm not 100% sure.

[Coogara]

Thanks, Ron and Ross. I think half the challenge is learning the names of the bits I'll be looking for :D.

I have just ordered the machine - downloading software as I type. It should commence its international transit in a few days.

[Ed Scherer]

Graeme, I'm currently awaiting my ShopBot Desktop (delivery is tomorrow) and had that same question along with some others (related to T-Slot dimensions) that are probably often asked by first-time Desktop owners. I fired off an e-mail message to ShopBot support with my questions and, assuming I get a response, will share the information here. It's kind of strange that these details aren't provided on the main ShopBot website.

It's nice to know this kind of information in advance so you can order more bits, fixturing supplies, etc., and have it all available when your 'bot arrives.

[dana_swift]

Any end mill can do the job, the larger the end mill the fewer passes required.

Special cutters are made for leveling to reduce the time required, they have the drawback that as the bit diameter gets larger, errors in the plumb of the bit become magnified as uneven edges in the passes. The positive side of that is if everything is setup correctly that will prove it.

The big bits are more important when you have a large spoilboard and time spent leveling is reducing revenue.

If you use a spoilboard leveler bit, or an FEM end mill, be absolutely sure the entry into the material is ramped. The flying edge type levelers cannot plunge. FEM bits should not be plunged either.

D

[Simops]

Graeme,

If you go to this address, http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/store.htm

And select Cutters ......you will find the contents of the Desktop starter kit.

It's different to the PRS starter kit which includes a 1 1/4" planer bit......although I have now a 2 1/2" one.

The desktop is not a large deck so maybe the included 1/2" straight bit included in the desktop starter kit is sufficient???

Cheers

[CantologyLLC]

What Dana said about diameter is really key. I've been running a Desktop with router for about a year and a half (just now upgrading to spindle). I could never get the router bracket perfectly plumb so running my 1.5" amana insert cutter left an unacceptable finish (surfacing an alum vac table to true it up to the bot). Switched to .5" endmill which hides the plumb error pretty well. Not tried the endmill on MDF yet. Might be able to answer Desktop questions. Sweet little machine. The precision is excellent.
-Will

[mick_martin]

Check out the Magnate website the spoilboard bits are cheap http://www.magnate.net/index.cfm?event=showProductGroup&theID=136

[blackhawk]

Here is another option with replaceable inserts. I love mine.

http://www.hersaf.com/shop/index.php/action/category/id/7/subid/14/

[Coogara]

Terrific feedback - I've been told what great support the ShopBot community provides - much appreciated by this complete CNC novice.

[JackM]

Graeme,

If you go to this address, http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/store.htm

And select Cutters ......you will find the contents of the Desktop starter kit.

It's different to the PRS starter kit which includes a 1 1/4" planer bit......although I have now a 2 1/2" one.

The desktop is not a large deck so maybe the included 1/2" straight bit included in the desktop starter kit is sufficient???

Cheers

That link just made my day!! I searched high and low for the bit descriptions that came with my new Desktop. Now I can figure out one more piece of the puzzle.

!

[Max Girouard]

I use this one.....

http://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-WS1304-Mortise-Bit/dp/B000K2G1QK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364216767&sr=8-2&keywords=1+1%2F4+mortise+bit+whiteside

Makes quick work of surfacing the small desktop spoil board, is inexpensive and made in the US. I've used it to surface both hardwood and softwood plywood and mdf spoil boards about a dozen times each and there is still plenty of life left in it.