End Mills (and Router Bits)
End mills are the cutting tools (also called router bits) that are inserted into the collet of a spindle
or router. It is the part that spins and does all of the cutting in all directions.
Some end mills can plunge into the material (like drilling). All end mills have
the ability to cut sideways (also called profiling).
Important Formulas:
Feedrate (IPM - Inches/Min) = Spindle RPM x # of Flutes x Chip Load
See each end mill for the chip load value.
If your machine cannot achieve these feed rates, reduce the spindle RPM using this formula:
Speed (RPM) = Feed Rate (IPM) / (# of Flutes x Chip Load)
Compression End Mills
If you want a good quality cut along the top and bottom edge, the compression tool is what you will need.
Bottom Clearing (Surfacing) End Mills
These end mills will create a flat surface. Generally, these end mills are great
for surfacing your spoil board on your CNC machine, but can be used to surface for
other purposes as well.
Single Flute End Mills:
My personal favorate when cutting plastic or for quiet wood cutting. The cutting
speeds can be increased when using these end mills since the chip load cavity is
larger than the standard two flute end mills. Upcut end mills (router bits) will leave
good finish to the bottom edge of the material but can lift thin or light material since
the geometry is designed to cut in the upward direction. If thin or light material
must be cut and you want a good top edge finish, consider downcut end mills
Two Flute End Mills (General Purpose):
These end mills are the workhorses and will generally cut most materials, but keep
an eye on the feedrate.
PCB Isolation and Etching End Mills:
These are etching and engraving bits that can be used with non-ferrous metals, hardwoods,
phenolics, stabilized woods and composite materials.
3D Carving Tools:
For all types of applications including: dimensional signage, 3D carving, 3D contouring
and profiling, cabinetry and furniture, and 3D millwork.
Tangential Dragknife Cutting Tools:
If you need to cut thin or flexible materials like vinyl, cardboard, paper,
mat board, or whatever yo would normally cut with a utility knife this is the
cutting tool for you. Just slip this tool into the collet of your spindle or
router and allow the drag knife to follow the direction and curves that your
CNC moves.