Some Information about End Mills (Rotational Cutters) for CNC Machines
I receive a healthy dose of questions about end mills and which ones that I use. I usually respond with answers like, my end mill will probably differ from your end mill. So, what is this thing called an end mill anyhow? If you are new to CNC machining and routing, you may have never heard of the thing. I could imagine googling something like, "CNC bits". Using the terminology "bit" is not all that incorrect. Bits are commonly referred to as drill bits, but routers use router bits. If you're looking to cut various metals and composites, end mills are the tools of choice. However, end mills will also work on wood, depending on the type of end mill selected.
How to Determine the Focal Length Measured from the Tip of the Nozzle.
Here, I describe one technique to determine the proper level of the nozzle so you can get the optimum focal length form the tip of the nozzle, not from the lens within the assembly. Trying to determine the length from the lens to the surface to be lased is very difficult because the lens is hidden within the assembly of the nozzle. This technique will allow you to determine this distance from the tip of the nozzle to the working surface.