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Recommended Router bits for CNC

Selecting router bits for your CNC can be confusing since many brands, types, and sizes are available. 

When buying bits, I look for three things:

1. Profile accuracy

     - Is the v-bit angle accurate?

     - Does the v-bit have a sharp, pointed tip for details?

     - Does the ball nose, core box, or round nose bit cut a nice smooth semi-circular groove?

     - Is the cutting diameter accurate?

2. Performance

     - Does it produce a clean, crisp cut?        

        (Some types of wood are hard to route cleanly, so it's not always the bit.)

     - How long does the edge last?                             

        (It's essential to use appropriate feed and speed rates since the wrong settings can quickly dull a bit.)

3. Price

              - The cost of bits adds up, so saving a few bucks is nice, but quality and price are usually related.

 

Below are some of the bits I frequently use in my shop and classes. They have performed well in both situations, especially when working on a small-format (benchtop) CNC machine.

I've found much truth in the saying: "You get what you pay for."

That said, some brands are priced very competitively and still perform well. I've started using some of them regularly and have included a couple of them in the list below. ​

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– Randy Johnson –

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

V-bit - 90-deg.

Amana RC-45711

Single flute

Carbide insert

11/16 in. dia.

​​1/4-Inch shank

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- Excellent performance and economy.

- Four cutting edges - inexpensive replacement inserts

- Changing the insert is a little tricky.

(V-bit) Engraving - 60-deg.

LMT Onsrud 37-01

Single flute

Solid Carbide

Tip - .005" 

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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​​- Excellent choice for fine v-carving details.

Up Spiral End Mills
End Mill - 1/4 dia.

Yonico-31014-SC

Two flutes - solid carbide

Spiral Up Cut

Cutting Height- .75"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- My go-to for most profile cuts in solid wood.

Yonica .25 dia up spiral bit.jpg
End Mill - 1/4 dia.

Whiteside-RU2100

Two flutes - solid carbide

Spiral Up Cut

Cutting Height- 1"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- My go-to for small pockets in solid wood.

Use the 1/2 dia. version for larger pockets

Down Spiral End Mill
End Mill - 1/8 dia.

Amana 46341

Two flutes - solid carbide

Spiral Down cut

Cutting Height - 1/2"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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Great choice for cutting thin plywood and veneers. The "spiral down-cut" pushes down on material to keep it from lifting.

Bit Amana DC 46341_edited.png
Straight Flute bit
Straight bit - 1/4 dia.

Whiteside-1014

Two flutes - carbide tipped

Cutting Height- 1"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- A good option for MDF. Low cost, and doesn't create fuzz on top side of cut.

Whiteside .25 da. straight bit.jpg

Ball Nose 1/8" dia.

  Yonico 34210-SC

Two flutes

Solid Carbide

Spiral Up Cut

Cutting Height - 1/2"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- Good choice for low relief 3D carvings

- Very competitive price

Ball Nose 1/4" dia.

  Yonico 34221-SC

Two flutes

Solid Carbide

Spiral Up Cut

Cutting Height - 3/4"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- Good choice for low relief 3D carvings

- Very competitive price

Bit Yonica .25 Ballnose 34221-SC.jpg

Tapered Ball Nose 1/8" dia.

 Amana 46286-k

Two flutes

Solid Carbide

nACo coating

Cutting Height - 1"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- Great choice for deep relief 3D carvings

Tapered Ball Nose 1/16" dia.

 Amana 46282-K

Two flutes

Solid Carbide

nACo coating

Cutting Height- 1"

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- Great choice when you want extra fine details in your 3D carvings.

Spoil Board bit  1-1/4" dia.

  

Freud 16-106 

Two flutes

Carbide tipped

Shank - 1/4" dia.

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- Great value and performance when you need a spoil board bit with a 1/4" shank.

Freud morting bit 16-108.jpg

Spoil Board bit  1-1/4" dia.

 

Freud 16-108

Two flutes

Carbide tipped

Shank - 1/2" dia.

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- Great value and performance when you need a spoil board bit with a 1/2" shank.

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