4DThinker Posted September 7, 2017 Report Share Posted September 7, 2017 I'm looking for data on how many unique bits a CNC operator uses for a typical job they run. I do mostly joinery cutting and use at most 2 bits and usually only one. The occasional 3D cut will use an end mill for roughing and a ball nose for finish. 2. Flat 2D/2.5D cuts may use a V-bit for v-carving or inlay, and maybe a downcut spiral end mill for first passes and an upcut spiral end mill for the rest. So I'd say I average 1.4 bits per use, or 2 hole bits. How many bits do you use on average for your CNC projects? Just the number for each individual board clamped to the CNC. Thanks for participating! 4D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
difalkner Posted September 8, 2017 Report Share Posted September 8, 2017 1, occasionally 2. I'm doing a 2D job now that requires 4. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p_toad Posted September 9, 2017 Report Share Posted September 9, 2017 I'm afraid i can't add anything useful to this. Maybe some day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4DThinker Posted September 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2017 If you use a router for any part of your woodworking then the number of bits you might use for a single job would still be of interest to me. Before I had a CNC I might use 3 or 4 router bits in a hand held router or a router mounted in a table with a fence for one furniture project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEBCWD Posted September 30, 2017 Report Share Posted September 30, 2017 I have some files that I need 5 or 6 bits but the norm is 3 or 4. Most of the time I try to limit the number of bits to save bit change time but it all depends on how much the smaller bits have to cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honesttjohn Posted September 30, 2017 Report Share Posted September 30, 2017 (edited) I use the same bits for 90% for what I do. 1/4 end mill - for roughing and pocket cutting 1/8 end mill - for profiling and pocket cutting 1/8 ball nose 3/16 ball nose (thanx 4d for that tip using these) 1/4 ball nose (occasionally) 90 deg - for Vcarving (most of the time) 60 deg - for Vcarving (some of the time) I know I can use a larger bit for clearing and some carving but then it's kind of hard to get the finish bit at the same level and there's usually a ridge of some kind. Plus you got to know how to do it. I kind of got into a groove of what works for me and pretty much stick to it. I get better detail using the smaller bits and can run the machine while I do other things. I don't care if it takes a little longer. Typical cut is one bit to rough cut, 1 to finish cut, 1 to Vcarve, and 1 to profile. Usually 3 or 4 tool changes total. What I do need is to find an extra long shank 1/8" ball nose and end mill to cut thru 1 1/2" material and still have room for them on my stock gantry height. Edited September 30, 2017 by honesttjohn MT Stringer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick486 Posted September 30, 2017 Report Share Posted September 30, 2017 On 9/8/2017 at 6:45 PM, 4DThinker said: router for any part of your woodworking then the number of bits you might use for a single job would still be of interest to me. up to 7... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4DThinker Posted June 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2018 Old thread I know, but awhile back Probotix teased a tool changer as a potential option for their CNCs. I'm not sure how they could implement one with their current design, but that doesn't mean they aren't working on a solution. I've been contemplating strategies to swap out the whole router (trim routers are cheaper than some tool changer assemblies) with different bits installed. But then I look at how much trouble it is (isn't?) to separate toolpath files by bit used, change bits for each file, zero the new bit before loading and running the new file, etc.. I've concluded it is a welcome break in the process, where some quiet is regained and some different muscles can be used. It also eliminates worry in letting the CNC travel over to pick up a tool where it might crash though clamps on the way. Yes, some time might be saved in a repetitive production setting, but fortunately my little shop is far from that. 4D difalkner 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4DThinker Posted February 6, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2020 It appears the tool changer now is an option for the Probotix.com's CNCs. Not yet on their sales pages, but should be available if you contact them. Their facebook page recently had some photos posted of that option. 4D p_toad 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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