Tooling Question

[BobA]

I hope this is the correct forum

I have been searching for tooling and have a question about Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) coated tools.
Is the coating worth $10.00 more for each tool?

http://www.precisebits.com/default.htm has a set of 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 Round nose for $74.95 vs 104.95 coated.

I purchased a set of end mill cutters from MLCS. They were all flat bottom ground.
Is the fish tale grind cutters better?

Where is a good source for V Care tooling?

What do you experienced CNC users have to say?

Bob

[RhB_HJ]

Are you cutting aluminum? If not save the $10.

[Consultingwoodworker]

Frankly, the Shark does not perform at a level where that sort of tooling matters. Heat is the real enemy of all tooling, and the only way to keep the heat down is with very high feed rates and very low rpm. The shark simply cannot move fast enough to keep the friction low enough.

I have used full sized CNCs to cut 3/4 melamine in one pass at 1200 inches per minute, and that it where the tooling is critical. The Shark is a terrific machine for the money, but it has limitations. Just buy good quality regular router bits and you'll be happy.

Ralph

[BobA]

Thanks HJ and Ralph.

Bob