Tool me up, scotty!

So, looks like I'm going to need some cutting bits in the near future, and as my previous machine used PCB type endmills, its time to get serious.

Can people recommend a starter collection for playing around in wood? So far I'm thinking:

• 10mm or 1/2" long straight two flute router bit for hogging material.
• 90 Degree V-groove bit
• 60 Degree V-groove bit
• Ball Nose Endmill - Around 5 or 6mm?
• Compression Bit - Around 5/6mm?

Can anyone flesh out details on that list I should be thinking about.

Anything else that I should consider essential?

What materials should I go for? Is Carbide too much?

Where should I go? Any bay of fleas / Aliexpress recommendations? Any decent UK suppliers?

Everything you might need: https://www.shop-apt.co.uk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by phill05

Everything you might need: https://www.shop-apt.co.uk

---

+1 ......and they give some guidance on speeds & feeds on a lot of their cutters, which I've found useful.

Just a note. I have recently had some very poor quality cutters from apt. Vibrating even when slowing rpm right down. Most cutters from them have een good though

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johngoodrich

Just a note. I have recently had some very poor quality cutters from apt. Vibrating even when slowing rpm right down. Most cutters from them have een good though

---

May I ask what shape & size the bad ones were please?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johngoodrich

Just a note. I have recently had some very poor quality cutters from apt. Vibrating even when slowing rpm right down. Most cutters from them have een good though

---

I have been using from micro size up to 12mm for a number of years and cannot remember having any problems other than my own fault braking cutters

It was on 3 flute 45 degree 12mm aluminium cutter. All other sizes were fine. Maybe just a bad batch ground up. They replaced them once I told them the issue so can't fault their service at all and the pricing is great

Thanks for the suggestions - just ordered a selection to get me started.

Maybe you can try ARDEN V Groove Router Bits later, ARDEN is a famous brand with reliable quality.