If you’re preparing to use your CNC machine for some milling projects, the first thing you need to do is buy some good cutting tools. To start out with, you will need a set of reliable cutters for a reasonable price. If you are a newcomer to milling, it’s best to start out with end mills made from high speed steel (HSS) to begin with, as they are less costly and more ...   Read More

CNC milling is a process which is similar to drilling and cutting in that like drilling, it uses a rotating cutting tool. It differs from drilling in that the milling machine cutter is able to move within multiple axes, allowing it to create a wide range of holes, slots and shapes. CNC milling machines are very versatile and enable the production of complex shapes that would be virtually ...   Read More

If you’re new to CNC routing, you may be a little confused by the wide range of end mills. They come in many different shapes and geometries and are also made of different materials. It makes sense to familiarize yourself with the different types so that you get just the right one for the project you’re working on. Types of End Mill End mills typically have three types of end ...   Read More

Precision and accuracy are the most important characteristics of CNC manufacturing. CNC machine tools are designed to perform to certain standards of accuracy. You can assess CNC machine accuracy in two different ways; dynamic and static modes. Types of CNC Machines The type of CNC machine you’ll need depends on the products you plan to create and the materials you work with. There are ...   Read More

Because cutting tools come in a wide range of sizes, geometry types and materials, knowing your end mills is crucial for quality CNC milling. For optimum efficiency, you will need a variety of tools to produce a detailed workpiece, so don’t limit yourself to a single tool or toolpath. Cutting Tool Direction CNC routers turn cutting tools in a clockwise direction. The helical direction of the flutes – the way the spiral twists around ...   Read More

The precision of CNC milling depends largely on having the right end mills for the project you’re working on. What can you do with an end mill? In general, end mills are designed to make horizontal cuts, but they can also drill (plunge) into the workpiece you are working on. If you’re just starting out with some simple milling projects on your CNC machine, you may be in the dark as to ...   Read More

End mills are the cutting tools used for milling with your CNC router. Similar to drill bits, they are available in a wide range of sizes, types and materials. If the end mill is fluted, this means that the chips caused by the cutting process will gather in the spaces between the flutes as they are cutting. If you are cutting a material that creates big chips, such as aluminum, it makes ...   Read More

There are a number of significant differences between an end mill and a drill bit. The most obvious one is their function. A drill bit is designed to bore straight down into the material – metal, plastic, or wood – whereas an end mill is designed for sideways cutting. The two cannot be interchanged. CNC Drill Bits There is a wide range of drill bits available for CNC machines. The type of drill bit you choose will depend on the ...   Read More

The size CNC machine you choose will depend on what you are making with it and the size of your budget. Fortunately, both Stinger and Cobra CNC routers—two of the world’s most renowned CNC router brands, come in several different sizes. Stinger I If you’re looking for a small format bench-top router, the Stinger I is a perfect choice. Despite is size, the Stinger I is robust and flexible enough to be used in a production ...   Read More