CNC bits ?

[spitfire9]

I am just starting to figure out my new Zenbot cnc router.

The spindle is a Bosch Colt palm router that takes 1/4" bits. I was wondering if there is a website or something that would tell me what kind/size etc. of bits to use for certain cuts.

What bit would you use for engraving text on a panel, which bit to cut it out etc.

thanks.

[Steve A]

I'm not sure about hobbyist cnc's but i remember when i was in the trade the various bits we used.

Endmills are for ending up or blocking up rough billets of material, meaning shaping up your piece square etc.
Slotdrills can be used for blocking up but are mostly used for milling slots and grooves etc, they can be used for lettering if you are happy with a flat bottomed groove.
v-cutters are ideal for lettering but they used to be expensive so we used to hand grind a slotdrill to suit.
Ballnose cutters can be used for slots with a radius bottom and internal radius in corners.
Outside radius tool bits for obviously raduis on the edges of corners.
Then there are other types like T cutters, flycutters and adjustable boring bars.
A 1/4 inch or 6mm collet doesnt mean thats the maximum size cutter you can use as a lot of cutters have stepped up sizes.
An endmill usually has 4 cutting edges and a slotdrill 2 or 3

All these posts recently about cnc machines has really made me want to get one ;)

[autocadplease]

I have a Bosch Colt on my CNC. I bought a 1/8x1/4 bushing collet from Lee Valley and use the 1/8" bits for my engraving and cutting. I bought some 1/8" bits from eBay and from Princess Auto.

The best site for anything CNC is cnczone.com.

[davek]

Gwyn (Westozy) recommended this site for purchasing bits

http://www.virtual-village.com.au/cnc-bits

He states he has had good success with them. I have ordered some but they haven't arrived yet.

I ordered .2 .3 .5 1.0 2.0 sizes.

I cut out a panel last night using a 3mm (couldnt wait any longer to play) and while the 3mm bit did a good job on holes and shapes, the text was obliterated due to me choosing 5mm size text. I knew the text wouldnt work at that size bit but it was fun and amazing to see the router cut out your drawing.

I am not sure what size bit for actual text, I amsure the cnc guys will be able to tell us, its fun experimenting though

Good luck

[Wendy]

For engraving I use 0.2 mm V-shape 36°.


Regards, Wendy

[Jylhami]

For europe, i buy my bits from sorotec.de
Enrgaving 0,15-0,4 mm flat V-tip.
For cutout 1,5-2mm 1-flute endmills for soft materials like plastic.
For pocket milling 2-6mm endmills 1 or 2 flute.
For Acryl there are some special bits to use.
I have Kress 1050W router in my machine.

[spitfire9]

Autocadplease,, I have a quick question. I saw the 1/4" to 1/8" bushing adapter on the Lee Valley website and was wondering, when you use that , do you have to use a 1/8 collet as well or just place the bit in the adapter ?

I'll be making a quick trip to Saskatoon to visit lee Valley and Princess Auto very soon.

Thanks.

[autocadplease]

do you have to use a 1/8 collet as well or just place the bit in the adapter ?

You just use the adapter (which is a collet) when you want to use a 1/8" shank bit. When you do use it, make sure the split in the collet lines up with one of the splits in the routers collet. That way the reducer will tighten properly.

Princess Auto has some nice little package of 12 different 1/8" bits that I always use on acrylic/plastics. Item No. 340007 - http://www.princessauto.com/surplus/air/power-tool-accessories/drill-accessories/3400079-12-pc-burr-drill-set?keyword=340007

[Westozy]

Hi all,

I have turned up a piece of bright steel 1/4" diameter and cut a fine thread on it to accept a Dremel collet and nut. My 1/4" router now has a Dremel chuck for the 1/8th bits. The Dremel collet chuck and locknut are available as spares from the Dremel shop. My router is an Ozito PRG-621V which is ideal for CNC as it has onboard variable speed and is practically disposable at AUD$65.00 (US$55.00) I will make some more of these Dremel adaptors when I get some time shortly and add them to the Aerosim Solutions product list! The cutters from virtualvillage are great for machining plastics and I have engraved some aluminium with them quite successfully too.

Most of these parts were cut out on the CNC...
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_042.JPG

The A340 TQ nears completion!!!
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/658/medium/A340TQ_044.JPG
Regards, Gwyn

[autocadplease]

Hi all,

I have turned up a piece of bright steel 1/4" diameter and cut a fine thread on it to accept a Dremel collet and nut.

Never thought of that! What thread did you use?

[Westozy]

Never thought of that! What thread did you use?

The thread O.D. is 7.02mm (9/32" - 0.279") and the pitch is 40TPI, I don't think you will find a tap or button die for it. It has to be screwcut on a lathe I think. The plastic nut is 19mm x Pitch 2mm by the way!

Gwyn

[Westozy]

Hi guys,

I've just found a supplier for taps and dies for the Dremel thread.... http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/ My button die arrived today!!!

Gwyn

[Chris Baker]

Great job Gwyn. What brand & model of CNC do you use?

Chris

[Westozy]

Great job Gwyn. What brand & model of CNC do you use?

Chris

Hi Chris, My machine was made by the head CNC machinist from company called Metalstorm( www.metalstorm.com ). They make weoponry not CNCs, it was just his personal project until he built a larger one. It is built from solid aluminium billet and weighs 50 kilos, solid as a rock but no brand name I'm sorry!

Gwyn

[Hessel Oosten]

If someone is interested in VERY cheap aluminium plates for a T groove table look here:

http://62.75.219.46/metall-p1936h412s349-375-x-20-mm-x-400-mm.html?sid=cf80b861fea3569376a3c1517c805eb8

Comes from this company:

http://www.metallstore.de/

See it here one my mill (Dutch text, but the pics tell it all).

http://www.elektor.nl/forum/forum/actuele-projecten/profiler/t-groeftafel-t-nut-table-en-trespa-(r).1179615.lynkx

Hessel

[Chris Baker]

Thanks Gwyn..

[electraflyit]

Gwyn,

Are you selling this adaptor yet?

>My 1/4" router now has a Dremel chuck for the 1/8th bits. The Dremel collet chuck and locknut are available as spares from the Dremel shop. My router is an Ozito PRG-621V which is ideal for CNC as it has onboard variable speed and is practically disposable at AUD$65.00 (US$55.00) I will make some more of these Dremel adaptors when I get some time shortly and add them to the Aerosim Solutions product list! The cutters from virtualvillage are great for machining plastics and I have engraved some aluminium with them quite successfully too.<

Thanks Eddie