In CNC routing, as with most activities in life, selecting the right tool is the first and most important step in achieving the desired outcome. However, there are other important factors to consider including safety, cut depth, type of material being cut and clearing of material removed. These will also impact the selection of the bit.
Leading local cutting solutions specialist AM.CO.ZA has introduced the toolings.co.za range of router bits to provide its customers with a standard entry-level range of bits designed to meet the most common needs while at the same time ensuring optimum safety and the highest degree of productivity. An important element in safety and productivity is the construction of the bits. All of the tooling.co.za bits are made from hardened tungsten carbide due to its strength, which ensures that the bits stay sharp for longer and are less likely to break.
When selecting the right bits for your specific needs, it is also important to have some basic understanding of the reasons why bits break. This is essential as breaking bits not only reduce productivity but can cause serious injury and harm. The bits from tooling.co.za are mainly supplied with a minimum shank diameter of 3mm as this ensures ease of fitment and strength. However, it is the shank and flute length which is of most importance. If a bit is going to break, it is most likely to break where the flute and shank meet or along the length of the flute. It is therefore necessary to match the depth of the required cut to the length of the flute. This is done by taking the total depth of the cut required and calculating a safe step down depth or considering how many times the bit depth will take to cut the required depth of cut. This will reduce the chance and number of bit breaks which will directly influence productivity.
AM.CO.ZA has six standard bits to meet the needs of most users and for most commonly-used materials. These include straight and spiral flutes. The straight flutes are primarily used for wood while spiral flutes are also suitable for plastic. The spiral flutes are available in single-, double and triple-spiral flutes. The more flutes the faster the bit as these clear waste material quicker. However, they are also lest rigid and can only be used for softer materials.
The range of tooling.co.za bits comprises:
Spiral Flutes Series
- ES1 – a spiral single-flute bit with flat top of use on hard woods and plastics;
- ES2 – a spiral double-flute bit with flat top for use on harder woods and plastics;
- ES3 – a spiral three-flute bit with flat top for use on soft woods and plastics;
- EB1 – a spiral double-flute bit with ball nose for use on wood, boards and plastics used for smooth cutting, contouring and fine detail;
- EG1 – a straight cut single flute for use on wood and;
- EG2 – a straight cut double flute for use on timber, laminates and melamine coated chipboard.
Eric Yin, managing director and founder of AM.CO.ZA commented, ‘We have introduced this range of bits to ensure that our customers are always able to obtain the bits they need. At present the range is limited, but we will be evaluating the needs for a broader range of bits based on the demand from our customers. If there is sufficient need, we will expand the range with the addition of bits for aluminium, di-bond, polycarbonate and various other materials.’
All of the tooling.co.za bits can be bought directly from the AM.CO.ZA branches or via the online shopping portal Buythis.co.za. In addition, customers have access to free technical advice and assistance on the correct use and selection of router bits for their specific requirements.
