Tool me up, scotty!

[AndyUK]

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?

[phill05]

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

[Voicecoil]

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.

[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

[Voicecoil]

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?

[phill05]

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

[johngoodrich]

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

[AndyUK]

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

[LeonBlack]

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