2 bits; 4 bits; 6 bits; a dollar

[MikeDe1025]

Hello all. Newbie here. Well, I've made it to the point of making one small sign project from the tutorials and now I've reached the point of scratching my head about bits. What to use, why to use, how to use, and how to feel after you use.
Actually I'm looking for a decent source for bits. I've see way too many now from searching around that the pricing points make my jaw drop. I really am not looking to spend 50 odd dollars and more for a bit. Maybe at some point in the future but surely not while I'm learning.
Based on a response I found somewhere in the forum about bits I found a "starter set". Ya, I know that's sort of like a starter set of lathe turning tools. Always seems to be lots more that you still need but at least they will get you through a lot of learning and beginning type projects. OK, I'll shorten this. I found this set and would like an opinion from some of you. A thumbs up or down as far as the source, the supposed quality, and the price point. And maybe along with other suggestions if you have any. OK, this is what I found: http://www.centuriontools.com/router-bi ... id=8&sat=1.

Thanks. You guys have all been so great so far with all my questions,
Mike

[drueth]

Mike

I have never bought any bits from centuriontools befor but I do belive I have seen post here and also the Vectric fourm were other members have. To start you are going to need

1 90 dig 0.50 dia V bit
1 60 dig 0.05 dia V bit
1 0.25 dia Up Cut end mill
1 0.25 dia Down cut end mill
1 0.0625 Up Cut end mill
1 0.0625 dia ball nose
1 0.25 dia ball nose
1 0.05 dia ball nose

This place is about 8 miles from my house and I have bought most of my bit there. http://www.EagleAmerican.com / http://www.mlcswoodworkink.com I have found they work "OK" I have also found you need to measure them to be sure it is what it say it is. IE a 90 dig V bit may be 85 dig. This is not a problem for most of the thing you do and it is not hard to measure the bit to find out just what it is. I will put together a post on that issue.

This list should last you for a few week Have fun and post some photos of your work.

[MikeDe1025]

Mike

I have never bought any bits from centuriontools befor but I do belive I have seen post here and also the Vectric fourm were other members have. To start you are going to need

1 90 dig 0.50 dia V bit
1 60 dig 0.05 dia V bit
1 0.25 dia Up Cut end mill
1 0.25 dia Down cut end mill
1 0.0625 Up Cut end mill
1 0.0625 dia ball nose
1 0.25 dia ball nose
1 0.05 dia ball nose

This place is about 8 miles from my house and I have bought most of my bit there. http://www.EagleAmerican.com / http://www.mlcswoodworkink.com I have found they work "OK" I have also found you need to measure them to be sure it is what it say it is. IE a 90 dig V bit may be 85 dig. This is not a problem for most of the thing you do and it is not hard to measure the bit to find out just what it is. I will put together a post on that issue.

This list should last you for a few week Have fun and post some photos of your work.

Oh hey, thanks. Now that's the kind of list I'm looking for. I hope all the other new guys get to see it as well because I know that we all ask for it at some point after we start out with our new machines.

Thanks again,
Mike

[ohiococonut]

Mike,
The starter set you're looking at is OK but if you do any amount of "clearing" it's going to take a long time with an 1/8" bit.
I agree with most of the bits drueth list but I'd substitute the last round nose for an .125 bit.
A 1/16", 1/8" & 1/4" round nose bit will cover most of the 3D finishing you'll do for a long time. I do have a couple 1/16" (.0625) straight end mills but have never found a use for them, yet.

For very fine lettering and detailing I use .005, .010, .020 & .040 Onsrud engraving bits. They do take a long time to cut but the detail they provide is as good as it gets.

[drueth]

Ohiococonut

The .0625 ball nose would be for a finish cut only. I should have also included a 0.125 ball nose which would get much more use than a 0.0625. Sorry Mike