Beginners Guide to CNC Bits - Including Speeds and Feeds

In this episode we take a look at a few bits that beginners need to get started with desktop CNC machines. We discuss bit terminology, common bits and touch on speeds and feeds.

Bit selections from Sainsmart

Bits from FoxAlien

Bits from Spe Tools

Amana tools from Tooltoday

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Terminology
12:22 Common bits
22:12 Speeds and feeds
28:14 V carves

Grahams Guide

Bits guide

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[JamesDeanDesigns]

SpeTool Introduction Bit Set

Bit selections from Sainsmart

Bits from FoxAlien

Bits from Spe Tools

Amana tools from Tooltoday

[andrewspiers]

If only I'd have watched the video first!!! One laminated guide is now hanging in the workshop :)

[johnscelta]

Over the last year, I have watched this video several times. I keep on catching new things I missed the first time. Thank you for making this one.

[UtubeItube]

Hands down the best channel for beginners. Thanks a lot James, keep up the great work.

[henkpunt]

Love your tutorials man. Helps me out a lot. Clear and detailed explanations! Keep it up!

[fredmandery]

Thank you James. I'm a beginner and this information is what I've been needing and missing. Plus, I now understand why there is no 'Use this speed and feed rates' video.

[mattymerr]

Thanks for all these quality videos.
Props to both you and Graham Bland.
You are both deserving of a lot of praise!

[jbreezy]

Thanks for taking your time to explain all the difference and applications for which the bits should be used for.

[martintemplot]

Hi James, great videos!
As a toolmaker may I point out an error in your terminology? What you are calling an End Mill is in fact a Slot Drill.
The difference is important because true End Mills cannot do plunge cuts. They have usually 4 flutes, and the cutting edges on the bottom do not meet in the middle. Which means they don't cut the full area of the bottom surface - if you try to plunge with them you will have a crash. They are mainly used in metal cutting, moving sideways into material to make slots and rebates. The reason for using them is that they can cut faster with a better finish than a Slot Drill in situations where you don't need to plunge in the material. The cutter moves sideways out of the material, moves down in fresh air, and then moves in again. Or they are used for finishing side cuts inside a pocket, where the material has previously been removed to the required depth using a roughing Slot Drill.
For the type of work you are doing you will probably not have much use for End Mills - if your viewers order them they are likely to get the wrong thing and have big trouble on their machines trying to make plunge cuts. What they need are called Slot Drills - usually having 2 flutes.
cheers,
Martin.

[michaelvalenty]

I've been following this channel for a year or so and chatted with you a few times and always appreciated the info. I took time off from CNC to learn my 3d printers and now concentrating on learning the CNC. Lots more videos now than a year ago. Looks like a good time to start back up again. Cheers.

[scorpianspirit]

After all of my own research and I don't know how many videos I have watched, you have been my go to channel James. Always great information in the way I prefer to hear a presentation. I have finally taken the plunge and have ordered my machine which is coming in this week. I decided on the Proverxl 6050 after looking at so many machines. I'm excited to get started and what a great enhancement to my newly constructed workshop. Thanks again James for always providing quality content. Cheers from Utah ! Thumbs up for sure. ;-)

[chrismoose]

Thanks for this and the others you have done. Always pleasantly surprised by knowledgeable people sharing valuable knowledge.

[ahmedop]

Keep up the good work James, I’m learning so much from you. Thank you!

[rattanartdesign]

i just bought my genmitsu 4040 yesterday with basic typical accessories. very excited to work on my machine with your advices and information. thanks james

[lovinglife]

Hey James, thank you so much ! great tutorial and foundation knowledge for me being a newbie … we have a laser incorporated into our studio workshop and just purchased a desktop cnc which we are looking fwd to … will binge watch your channel for more info … thanks a million 🙏 regards Steve (Adelaide Australia)

[SethCNC]

*Excellent overview of bits and even the concepts of F&S !!*

[killerwhiskey]

A bit late to the CNC party but I was about to give up until i found your helpful videos. Take the time, set it up right and its a brilliant bit of kit. Thanks for these vidoes. Best help and advice.

[ScrewThisGlueThat]

Thanks to Leo for leading me to your channel. I am now a subscriber. Great job.

[nathandrouin]

I just started using my 3018 a month ago and this video was super helpful to understanding bits thanks

[villemerisalo]

Thank you for your videos! I think im coming back to these once my 3018 has arrived and built. Amazing content. Very easy to listen, comprehensive enough to get started and very clearly explained. Cheers!