As far as cutters are concerned, I use a V cutter of 0.2 mm end diameter. I have ordered some 10deg ones from China, but so far they have sent me 30deg ones twice ! The narrower angle ones have better control of track width.

For drills, I buy from circuit2u.co.uk £6.99 for a pack of 10. They are resharpened ones, but good and sharp. For normal components I use 0.8mm, but headers and connectors need a slightly bigger diameter, so 1mm. Actually, if the pads are large enough, I just drill the lot at 1mm.

Doddy, I understand your frustration, I have one of those F-awful machines from Exeter. I have spent a lot of time aligning it, even to the extent of shimming the bed with layers of kitchen foil. It now gives acceptable results, but I am still not sure the spindle is at 90deg to the bed as a cut with a large cutter produces a very 'steppy' result. I think the rails are twisted relative to each other. This is because of the inaccuracy in manufacture.

I used to use 0.2mm endmills, but those little feckers would break if you looked at them funny. Like the 'pingfuckit', I have a box of them with more on the floor.

Happy Days,

Rob