ProtoWizard Info Board

[indigoflameworks]

This is my first experiance with milling and i was wondering... How do i determine what bit to use for which job? I went to bits n bits but dont even know what i need or what each bit does. Any suggestions where i can learn??

[lemike]

Which Bits and Why? that's a long story

after trying nearly all kindy of bits i try to focus on 4/5 tools, that's just my selection and it engage only me, everyone add his fav tools

i use mainly:
0.062" flat end mill for core, roughing, large flat surfaces or for exemple a standard band ring or signet ring with no details

0.020" 10° tapered flat end mill for standard cuts like pendands and rings with a few details, i found that this one was the best surface finish/detail compromise for most of my jobs

0.005" 10° tapered ball end mill for smaller details like prongs on an eternity ring, i replace this one by a 0.004" 10° spyral pyramid bit when deep plunges are needed

0.001" 6° spyral pyramid for extra fine cutting like letterings with and add of a few drips of mineral oil, i use it only small areas of the job
_________________
MDX40 + CEAT Rorary
3Design 6.2
ProtoWizard 4
MachineWizard 3

[kcgold]

As a beginner or even someone that has been at this for awhile, use 15 degree tools when possible. Much stronger tip and deeper flutes to lift the wax. Now if you are cutting long prongs, the narrower the angle the better. Use a 020" long reach end mill to get straight prongs. Just watch out to put in some kind of surface to keep the tool from dropping through a hole and the shank crashing into your wax.
_________________
JWX-10 w/ CEAT Rotary Head
Rhino 4
ProtoWizard 4
MachineWizard

[harryman]

Don't spend too much money on expensive ones since as a beginner, you'll break a few, or maybe more than a few.....

I'll agree with what's already been posted and add a couple more.

I use 3.18mm and 2.37mm ballnose bits a lot to rough with and 12 degree .005" profile for finish. I find the 12 degree a good compromise between the 15 and 10 degree. I also use the 10 deg, .005 tapered ball end from B&B and some other random bits for special situations.
_________________
www.harryhamilldesigns.com
CAD sculpting and prototypes to the trade.
DeskProto/Minitech MM3Pro
3Design/Freeform/ZBrush