most common used bits

[tomc720]

I am a new owner of a alpha 48 being delivered in January and I will be doing signs, 3D carvings from vector art 3D, parts cutting and mainly just the basics and I was wondering if someone can give me a list a the most commonly used bits because I have an opportunity to buy them at a great price and want to buy a lot but don't want to buy bits I won't use.
Any and all help would be appreciated.

[scottp55]

Tom, Recommend you get the Onsrud starter bit set for your machine and then dial those in for YOUR machine/materials so you get a feel for the cut quality you want.
I felt like I didn't have enough bits in the beginning, and got a bunch of bits that were "Great Deals !!" only to find out the cut was lousy in the 3 major hardwoods we use, and they now sit in the back of the drawer and it's a rare day when I consider using them.
Even a bit I have used countless times in hardwoods made me CRINGE and slap the spacebar when I saw what it did to MDF with 2 coats sanding/sealer on it :(
I've found many good deals, but I never buy more than 1 initially to see Exactly how it cuts. If I like it then I will order more and try other similar style bits from that manufacturer.
It's not Always true, but generally you get what you pay for and Onsruds are a good way to know what a good cut should be.
Hope this helps.
scott
Oh, Onsrud .25" Down rescued that "Fuzz storm"cut, funny that I ran it at default "Cherry" setting and it did that. I don't cut much MDF.

[tomc720]

thank you for your help. would you be willing to call me please? I am completely new and have questions and would feel stupid putting some of them on here.

630-330-5080

[shilala]

On the bits, I mostly use:
Endmills : 1/4 and 1/2
Ballnose endmills: 1/16 tapered, 1/8 tapered, 1/4 an 1/2
I use a 1/2" shank 60* v-carve bit constantly.
A table surfacing bit is very important, too.

After those bits, I think you do just like Scott said. Get what you need when you need it.
A lot of times I need longer bits and I put off getting them forever, and I kick myself every time I need them.
That's a bad habit of mine and I need to start leaving myself a note of just go to the computer and order what I need when it presents itself.

I try to keep a number of the bits I use the most. At least 3 or 4. I use simple green or Boeshield bit cleaner to keep them "like new" clean. It matters.

[chiloquinruss]

1/4 upcut, 1/4 downcut, 1/4 compression, 1/16th tapered ball, 1/8th tapered ball, and occasionally other 'bits'. Mostly the 1/4 stuff though. I cut lots of 1/2 and 3/4 ply and many sheets of 3mm and 6mm sintra with the 1/16th tapered ball. Russ

[jdwykrent]

In my high school woodworking class, we use the following:

90 degree
60 degree v
CMT 1/4" straight solid carbide
CMT 1/4" Straight Carbide brazed to steel (test cuts, wouldn't recommend for finish work)
CMT 1/2" straight 2.5" cut length
Freud 1/2" compression 2" cut length
Freud 1/2" down cut 1.5" cut length
Freud 3/4" Ball nose
Table Surfacing bit
1/8" Tapered ball nose
1/4" Ball nose

I'm also going to start playing with some profile bits to do raised panels... I'll post about it after I try it out.