Need bit advice

[wespor]

Up and cutting with my new Desktop. I'm taking a printmaking course right now and I thought it would be an interesting experiment to CNC out some of my wooden and linoleum blocks. I've had some pretty good luck so far but my smallest bit, the 16th tapered end mill that make with the bot just isn't small enough for fine detail cuts.

Can anyone suggest a better bit for shallow, thin cuts?

[wespor]

The 1/16" ball nose taper, I meant to say. Missed the edit window.

[Brady Watson]

Take a look at HarveyTool.com

-B

[hh_woodworking]

Precise bits is also good for detail bits precisebits.com

[steve_g]

Weston…
I’ve made some prints from blocks that I cut with a “V” bit. By using true V-carve cutting strategies, you can get very fine detail!
SG

[scottp55]

Weston, I agree with Steve that a vbit with vcarve might be the way to go. That's what I used in your sample cut(Wharton).

[wespor]

Okay, appreciate the advice. When choosing a V bit, what is the ideal shank size when I have all the collets available, what difference does it make when the cutting edge is the same size?

[wespor]

Oh, and any thoughts on this system?

http://www.amanatool.com/ingroove/index.htm

[Burkhardt]

For the InGroove system:

Pro: The blades are very sharp and cut quality good.

Con:
- blades are expensive
- I can not run higher than 15krpm due to vibration/imbalance
- the sharp tips are very fragile. I can not run the recommended speeds in hardwood without losing the tips.

[steve_g]

Weston…
I always use the largest shank available for the bit that will do the job… That is to say, if I have a choice between a ¼” shank 60° bit or a ½” shank 60° bit I’ll go with the ½” shank. I’ve broken several of the above mentioned style ¼” shank bits. HOWEVER, if I’m cutting with an ⅛” bit, a bit with a ¼” shank stepped down to a ⅛” breaks at the step down quicker for me than a ⅛” bit in an ⅛” collet. Hope that makes sense.
I’d make sure I was happy with the V-cutting technique before I invested the money in the “ingroove” equipment…

SG