Choosing the right kind of CNC router bits can be a daunting task. And, there are several factors you need to consider before buying. If you are new in this area, you need some reference before making the purchase.
Certain things to consider include the shape, size, and purpose of the CNC router bits.
There are many types of router bits and each of them has their specific usage depending on the nature of your project. You can’t expect the same kind of result from all bits.
This article gives you a better understanding of the 7 must have CNC router bits for your workshop needs.
Must Have CNC Router Bits
1. Amana Tool DRB 418 PCD Tipped Router Bit
Best CNC Router bit for Wood
Amana router bits can cut a wide variety of materials such as wood composites, MDF, plywood, and many more. Diamond is the hardest material to be found on earth. PCD or polycrystalline diamond present in this specific CNC router bit is manufactured using high-pressure and high-temperature that fuses diamond particles into carbide substrates.
This way, the diamond gets braced into the tool body. If you are looking for the ultimate bit for wood, the Amana DRB-418 will chamfer a variety of abrasive, tough materials including hardwood. The cutting edge lasts much longer.
This tool is excellent for “V” grooving, chamfering, and engraving. Some of the benefits of this bit include optimized machine tool capacity, cuts hundreds of feet without changing, provides high resistance, and the finish quality is much better than other bits.
Suggested Article: Best CNC Router bit for Plywood
2. Amana Tool 51404K Spektra Coated bit with Mirror Finish
Best CNC Router bit for Plastic
The ceramic micro-thin coating provides heat resistance and extreme nano-hardness to this specific router bit. This way, it enables the tool to retain lubricity and crucial sharpness in its cutting edge. Because of this, it provides longevity and creates amazing cutting results of the topmost quality.
Coatings help to prevent oxidation and high heat, which can be harmful to the tool’s cutting performance. While looking attractive, the multi-colored hues dissipate upon use. But, remains fully efficient.
The ceramic coating provides 4500 Vickers for amazing solid hardness on the cutting areas of the tool. This increases about 2.5 times when compared to the uncoated CNC bits. This bit cuts with “mirror finish” that results in clean smooth cuts with superior surface finish and improves its life.
3. Amana Tool 51402SC router bit with Mirror Finish
Best CNC Router bit for Aluminum
Available in both inch and metric sizes, this router bit is specifically developed for a variety of CNC applications. This aluminum engraving bit makes use of sub-micro grain carbide of the highest quality, has a proprietary edge processing unit, and features a superb polished edge with “mirror finish”.
This way, it gives the CNC router bit as the best tool when it is about engraving aluminum. The spiral “O” flute finishing or sharpening process increases the feed rates and allows for more linear feet routed within less time.
Continuous developments in the engraving process, the impressive carbide polishing process, and the geometry and design makes this router bit perfect for routing displays and signs on different kinds of aluminum projects.
4. Amana Tool 46282K Spektra Extreme
Best CNC Router bit for 3D carving
Specifically designed for both 2D and 3D carving and profiling in a variety of materials, this router bit is crafted with nanocomposite coating intended for superior performance and longer life. The ball nose tip cut smooth 3D contours with decreased stepping. The Spektra coating provides resistance to war.
It also helps to engrave edges with precision, increase the tool life and builds up less heat and friction. It is designed to run at 60,000 RPMs. All you need to do is adjust the chip load and the feed rate. This CNC router bit is perfect for 3D carving.
The bit is useful in 3D profiling, contouring, pattern, and modeling making for cabinets, jewelry mold making, and sign making. Also, it works perfectly on big 3D milling profiles used in abrasive EPS foam.
5. Amana Tool RC2250 Mini Surfacing and Rabbeting Router Bit
Best CNC Router bit for Surfacing
Another useful CNC router bit intended for sign making on a variety of materials. This outstanding tool is great for engraving tight corners. It features a one-of-a-kind 2+2 design insert knife that contains 2 engraving flutes and 2 up-shears scorers. As a result, this router bit provides a smooth finish along the edges of the engraved materials that are rarely found on other bits.
Engineered with carbide grade standards for deriving the highest quality while engraving, improved engraving efficiency, and quicker material removal procedure, this particular CNC router bit is a must have for professionals.
This router bit is perfect for resurfacing spoil boards, planing big glued-up panels, and surfacing & finishing wood. This industrial router comes along with four MDF-grade insert knives, each with 4 engraving edges that allow you to rotate the knives if one side isn’t capable of performing.
6. Amana Tool 46272 Long Flat Bottom Router Bit
Best CNC Router bit for Foam Milling
Now you can rest assured that all your foam projects would be milled with unparalleled clarity, details, and accuracy. Specifically developed for milling EPS (expanded polystyrene), XPS (extruded polystyrene foam), polyethylene foam, EVA, and polyurethane foam, this particular router bit is perfect for your needs.
This CNC router bit tool helps you achieve both depth and precision needed in foam milling, EVA, and carving applications. It provides larger slices and deeper cuts even in thick materials with accuracy. This way, you can improve your productivity.
Designed to last for prolonged life, this router bit saves you from the cost of future replacements compared to other low-quality foam engraving tools. Keep in mind that never use this tool on a hand-held router.
7. Amana Tool 51462SC for Non-Ferrous, Stainless Steel, and Steel Router Bit
Best bit for Steel Metal Engraving
Now it wouldn’t be fair to not mention that most DIY and standard CNC Routers won’t be able to cut steel. When it comes to engraving on steel and other similar materials, this CNC router bit from Amana Tool serves your purpose with efficiency and less effort. The 3-flute coating of this industrial router bit is manufactured using exclusive ultra-fine carbide and features a thirty-degree center engraving mill end.
Also, the bit has a corner chamfer intended for extra strength, Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN) coating, and Up-Cut design. The router bit is great for use in materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, composites, steel, low carbon steel, superalloys, titanium, and so on.
The carbide grade in combination with the AlTiN coating gives you shear performance. The corner chamfer is responsible for the bit’s strong strength. The router bits are available in different sizes.
Bonus Pick: AMS-179 CNC Router Bit 8-Pc Advanced Starter Set
CNC Router Bit Buying Guide
Now that you have got an idea about some of the must have CNC router bits available on the market, you need to make sure what you want from the router bit. If you are a professional in this area, you may know about your specific needs. Otherwise, you have to consider some factors.
Carbide vs HSS
The use of carbide in engraving tools began in 1925. Tungsten carbide particles are combined with cobalt to build a solid mass. Carbide modernized the metal-engraving industry by enabling faster speeds and providing longer life to the tool. It retains the hardness at higher temperatures compared to HSS.
HSS or high-speed steel has been a standard metal-engraving and drilling tool since the 1930s. It is often regarded for its wear resistance, sufficient hardness, and toughness for metal engraving for general purposes. These tools are cost-effective and readily available.
Why is coating important?
Solid carbide CNC router bits are made with specially formulated coatings that enable the tool’s engraving edges to keep its lubricity and sharpness. The coating is necessary because it produces amazing engraving results of the highest quality and provides longevity to the tool. The coating prevents oxidation and high heat buildup which can be harmful to its engraving performance. Also, the coating acts as a barrier on the engraving edge and saves it from hard materials.
Tool Geometry
One of the most important factors for your consideration when choosing a router bit is determining the type of tool geometry best for your task at hand. Both application and material have an important role to play in the selection process. Tools that have more flutes have a larger core. In short, a larger core equals tool strength. Larger the core stronger would be the tool. Larger core reduces its flute depth and restricts the chip space.
Roughing vs Finishing
End mills and bits are available in different sizes and shapes. And, each of them is meant for specific purposes. Engraving is normally done with point-shaped, fine end mills at higher speeds. Roughing is conducted on the piece of material with the help of flat roughing end mills.
Whereas, finishing of the material is done with sharp ball nose engravers. Remember that you don’t finish with the tool that you used for roughing. Keep aside brand new tools for finishing, and later use them for roughing after the bits were used for a while for finishing.
Can you use CNC Bits in a Router?
Ultimately it depends on the CNC router bit you are planing to use. Some straight single flutes could used for trimming the profile on wood. Overall we don’t recommend using CNC router bits in a handheld router. Always check with the manufacturer for specific uses of any tool you use.
Conclusion
Router bits are super accessories that can be utilized for many purposes. Choosing the best CNC router bits is very important when it is about working on various projects. Because it gives you more power to work efficiently and seamlessly on your specific products.
