What type of bit to use

[Boyan Silyavski]

Please read this, i posted some pictures so you could identify the cutters http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/8326-Fine-detail-Wood


Basically even if the machine is not rigid- 16000 rpm, 60ipm, 2 flute, 1 diameter depth is a good starting point for routing wood. General rule is speed up until it breaks and then lower 5% the feed.
-best work straight 2-3 flute cutters and fishtail 2 flute upcut. down cut cutters IMO are not for hobby use or for people who start learning.
-generally at home you will use 3mm or 1/8" up to 6mm 1/4" , due to price, speed, material waste. So make sure you have all that collets.
-cutters smaller than 3mm need additional lowering of the feed like at least 1/3rd, same with long cutters
-hard woods need additional feed speeding to 17.000 rpm or even to 18000rpm
-more than 18000rpm is not a good idea as it wastes speed bearings unnecessary fast.

-cheap Chinese cutters break 5 times more easily than brand ones
-sharp brand cutters last 20 times more than Chinese cutters /micro grain carbide/
-Drillman1 at ebay sells best cutters for price for wood and plastic , Kyocera brand

Hope that helps