Best Surfacing Bit For CNC Router, Spoil Board Resurfacing - Garrett Fromme

This video covers a high-quality, yet low-cost surfacing router bit for CNC routers. And also discusses how to resurface your CNC router spoilboard. Surfacing bits are one of those MUST HAVE router bits. They are excellent for removing a lot of material and necessary for surfacing the spoil board (aka waste board) on a CNC router to level the work surface to the router motion. Resurfacing is a vital part of owning a CNC router.
Many home-based CNC routers require surfacing when you first get them. Spoilboard / wasteboard surfacing will inevitably be necessary.
After testing this bit thoroughly, I found this surfacing bit to be of exceptional quality for a Chinese-made product, and highly recommend it.
LEARN HOW TO RESURFACE YOUR BOBSCNC ROUTER
For reference...if you are wondering how to resurface a bobscnc router spoil board, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_WgY16Zcata7s
------------------------------------
TO ORDER THE SURFACING BIT
This link will take you to the surfacing router bit: idcwoodcraft.com/product/surfacing-bit-for-cnc-router/
This discount code gives you 5% off. Copy and use it: "SURFACING BIT"
TO ORDER THE CALIPERS
→ Calipers. For the price, it is a very good set: amzn.to/338MAt3
→ G-code and files to resurface the BobsCNC E4 series routers: etsy.me/3a0vlfY
I found this CNC router surfacing bit to be high quality and very flexible for other uses.
It is not only a wasteboard, or spoilboard, or surfacing router bit.
It works extremely well with woodworking projects, for T-slots, rabbit joints, tongue and groove, box (to certain depths), half-lap, and dado.
This video also teaches tips and tricks for feed rates for your CNC router and in woodworking.
At the full depth of 0.25 inches, it not only effectively removed material without burden, but it could also be run at a high feed rate.
At full depth
Recommended rpm: 12000-16000
Feed: 80-100 inches per minute / 35-50 mm per second
Stepover" 60-80%
Overall, at the feed rates I was using, the tool was not loading which also gives it efficiency in cut time.
This also works well for manual routers.
FINAL RATING: 5 stars for function and price.
This woodworking CNC router tutorial also teaches about feed rates, t-slots, joinery,
This tool test was done on the BobsCNC E4 / EVO4 / Evolution 4 CNC router with the Makita router. The BobsCNC E4 handled this project without issue or bog-down.
CNC FOR BEGINNERS playlist: bit.ly/3rg4WTl
CNC ENTREPRENEURS playlist: bit.ly/3mxz6Ok
VCARVE FOR BEGINNERS playlist: bit.ly/3pdmFsi
BEST STARTER BIT SET FOR CNC ROUTERS
→ Complete starter bit set (+ free vector files) bit.ly/3d1iQnF
→ 1” Surfacing bit required for surfacing your spoilboard
Use this discount code (UNW8VE2V): amzn.to/3jsDOgh
→ To do glass engraving, the best bit to use: bit.ly/3tRy98s
OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’
→ Calipers. For the price, it is a very good set: amzn.to/338MAt3
→ Hearing protection (plugs don't work): amzn.to/2Hs1RgW
If you currently own a CNC router, please take a moment to take this survey to share your experience with it: bit.ly/3r5XzNh
Cool vector files for CNC router & CNC laser: etsy.me/3oxX79l Learn how to start an online business from scratch: bit.ly/2ZUEIKK
Words are the top-selling items of all time with CNC products. Get the free WORDS THAT SELL list: idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp-1/
CNC For Beginners Podcast: anchor.fm/garrett-fromme
CNC Insiders sign up (free files and more): idcwoodcraft.com/cnc-lp2-free-files/
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL
→ LIKE the video
→ COMMENT about the video
→ DONATE: www.paypal.me/garrettfromme
→ PURCHASE through links I provide in these descriptions. I receive affiliate commissions and the cost is the same to you.
Facebook: IDCWoodcraft
Website: www.idcwoodcraft.com
Email: [e-mail]
#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #vcarvetutorials #vectric

[@terrydennison2402]

Hi Garrett my name is Terry? I recently bought a Cnc Onefinity And I am thoroughly injoy 10:01 watching your videos thank goodness for your videos or I’d be totally lost but one video that I haven’t found with the Vcarve software is how to flatten or resurface my spoil board. Thank you so much for all your help. Keep up the good work.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Terry, I dont have a video on this specifically but a friend of mine made a great video that should really help you! Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX7cYYaDg7d5haM

[@jackmenge3993]

i just started to watch these videos and i like them

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Jack, I'm so happy you like these videos brother!

[@YHS51]

I'm loving the comments that are coming up. The information is fantastic. Everyone is helping me understand different things about milling and carving. Thank you for helping me understand those important details.👍👍👍

[@IDCWoodcraft]

It's great to have a community building. Always feel free to start conversations with others in the threads.

[@nevermorerecords]

Definitely buying this bit. We build guitars by hand but have been dying to use our CNC. But it has been 7 months of frustration. So now we’re going slow and learning all we can; your videos have been quite informative and inspiring. Thank you!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Nevermore. I am quite happy to hear that these videos help. It's my aim. Thank you for sharing that. I'd love to see the guitars you make. Maybe you can send some pictures.

[@podman63]

Man you sure dug that bit in deep I am about conservation with feeds & speeds may be I can drop the hammer a bit more on new projects

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lmao. Swing that hammer hard, baby!!!

[@ronaldhoppus9015]

Ordered the bit. thanks for the code and the vids.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Ronald. I'm glad to be able to pass good stuff on. What kind of project are you working on these days?

[@alpscraftshack599]

Good review Garrett. Have never used one. Guess I will buy it, play around with it, and see what it is about.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Patrick, my friend. Good to see you again. How did the file work out?

[@alpscraftshack599]

@@IDCWoodcraft It worked our great Garrett. Thank you so very much.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@alpscraftshack599 You're totally welcome. Glad I could help. there to help again.

[@TVoltG]

I bought one the other day and will be here today. Looking forward to using it.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Alexander, right on brother! Congrats!

[@devinsmith9323]

Just bought one thanks for the review. 👍

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Devin. You won't regret this one for sure!! What machine are you running it on?

[@devinsmith9323]

@@IDCWoodcraft openbuilds Sphinx

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@devinsmith9323 Oh...I'm drooling. I wanna see a picture of that if you can. send to [e-mail]

[@woodbe5311]

Hi Garrett, thanks a lot for your wonderfull videos. Alow me to ask you how can i create a toolpath for lamello biscuits on top surface and edge. thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Wood Be, try out a fluting toolpath! Here's a link to a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ3HiJiXZ5iSg6c

[@ralphvanwinkle]

New CNC beginner, (BobsCNC Quantum). Just saw your video on the surfacing router bit. Great review and I am purchasing the bit. Still available on Amazon but your discount code no longer works. Probably expired. Any thoughts about doing a video on the new Quantum machine?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ralph, sorry brother the discount code was only available for a short time on amazon. I'm glad that you enjoyed the review and I'm looking forward to getting your surfacing bit out to you my friend! It's definitely food for thought on the Quantum review. I just picked up a Phantom machine that's been keeping me pretty busy over here!

[@herschemiller7863]

Another great video

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks again. And thank you for commenting. When you do that, you become part of helping more people with this stuff because it helps rank the videos I make. I do try to get good quality content out so you can learn as much as possible.

[@James01520]

Garrett It was fast but I didn't see any "lines" when you shared those few seconds of footage of the resurfacing of your wasteboard. Did you keep the step over at 90 like you did to that first piece of hardwood?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi James. The slot test was a second piece of scrap oak. The first piece was recovered when I did the surfacing so didn't want to waste a 'now good' piece that I can make a project on. Answer your question?

[@JohnColgan.]

Very impressive cut. Never expected such a deep cut to run so effortlessly and still want to run faster feed rate! Noticed tramlines remaining after cut, is a deeper overlay/step over (forgot correct word) required or you spindle need vertical alignment?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi John. It's the machine that left the lines. However, that is pretty typical, regardless simply due to the crossing path of the cutter blades. It always happened throughout my machining career on metal. The lines were actually very good as far as uneveness. In the end, I was very impressed with the outcome. the word you're looking for is stepover...percentage of the tool diameter the bit will move over to make the next cut.

[@andresurfs]

Howzit Garret. Would this be suitable in a router on a sled to flatten cutting boards? Is the quarter inch shank stiff enough? Look forward to your feedback!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andre, this would work on a router sled. I would keep the depth of cut limited to a maximum of 0.25" and a stepover of less than 50% per pass if you are flattening something manually. The shank is stiff enough, you will have to experiment with setup depending on the rigidity of your sled.

[@mikesoper508]

Nice work Mike UK.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hello Mike. Thanks.

[@joelm7067]

Thanks for the video, what did you determine was the best feed and speed for this bit?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Joe. 60 to 80 ipm at full router speed (13000-16000 rpm)

[@chriswinter2725]

Great to watch. Thanks.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Chris, glad you enjoyed it brother!

[@andymastercarpenter2380]

Thank you so much you are an excellent teacher I’m trying to catch up on your videos I have a legacy 4 by 8 coming in three weeks comes with v carve pro I would like to get some lessons if you can reach out to me and let me know what you charge. Thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andy, Congratulations on your new Legacy arriving in a few weeks! Very exciting and very smart of you to start studying ahead of time! Here is a list of my videos and what you should start with. ->bit.ly/3mLHGfI. I highly suggest following along with this. As for the lessons, feel free to head over to my website, www.idcwoodcraft.com. Here is a link that will provide you with the information for a one on one, -> calendly.com/garrettfromme/60-min

[@caliramps7977]

Appreciate the video thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Cali, you bet! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlieb2169]

Love your very informative videos, but the beginning of the vid shows a $30 tool. You mentioned this one is half the price, but you have it for $25. Did the $30 tool increase in price to $50?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Charles. The original bit this video refered to was a different bit. I since started to sell a better one. That's why you see the price difference.

[@Htxcustom]

Can this be used to surface hardwood or is this strictly for mdf?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

It is good for all wood. It is carbided tipped and set at the standard angle for surfacing on all woods.

[@julokmeliponiculture48]

Thanks for sharing sir 💪

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Julok, you're so welcome brother!

[@concurringlion3643]

Thanks for the tip. It's half the price of the Amana I was peeping.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Lion! I was so happy I was able to share about this surfacing bit before others baught the more expensive ones. The other one I showed in the video was the Amana bit. This one is much more flexible.

[@ellarada7342]

Hi Garrett, would this work if start at the center of the spoilboard instead of the corner?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ella, good question but no I would definitely recommend starting from the corner and not the center.

[@davidhanna4875]

Hey Garrett I've got the fox alien 44 and I bought your bits and I don't have a surfacing program or is that something that I need to create David Hanna

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey David, you'll have to create it. I have a video on surfacing I think you'll find it super helpful. Here's the link → kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpPbpX-Hjpdpedk

[@barrieknop3790]

Garrett, I have found that the Amana Tool RC-2255 with inserts is the best for surfacing. but the replacement inserts are way way toooo dear. I get my replacements from another company at 100 pieces for AU $ 265.00 delivered to Australia

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Barrieknop, that is a good bit too brother! Glad to hear it is working out for you.

[@eyecandy-gaming]

I ordered the bit but my bit measured .248 shaft, .956 od and .256 blade thickness

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Really??? The .248 doesn't bother me but the other 2 do. Send it back. I am really sorry you got that. It's exactly why I'm trying to source directly from US makers. Damn, it ran so well on mine. I wouldn't have promoted it had I known. I might have to pull that video down.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Candy, I checked all the reviews on the bit also before I even said I would test it. this really bothers me.

[@eyecandy-gaming]

@@IDCWoodcraft yea I was surprised it was that out of spec. I'll send it back. Thanks

[@unclebob8746]

The .248 shaft diameter is very close to not being able to be secured in my collets, but I'm running a 3.5hp, H2O cooled spindle with ATC. My go to surfacing bit is a Magnate 2404; the carbide cutters run the full width of the bit and are ground so that they cut perfectly flat. This is important, especially on hobby -type CNCs that may not be trammed correctly. I wash hoping to see a comparison to the other bit you showed.

[@HarderThanCalculus]

Love the video, but your math is kinda off. You said you got your new bit for 1/2 the price of your old "$30" bit. In your link you sell the new bit for $25. I hate to tell you this, but...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey Calculus. Yes, I know. The video originally was selling someone else's bit. I since started selling it. I might have to pull this video down.

[@wesmac68]

Hi Garret I am trying t resurface using your gcode off etsy and its telling me I am exceeding travel limits? Do I need to change firmware settings?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Wes. What CNC machine do you have?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Wes, email me on this one. [e-mail]

[@wesmac68]

I got it figured out thanks.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@wesmac68 what was the issue?

[@wesmac68]

@@IDCWoodcraft soft limit needed zeroed out

[@Chris-vc1dh]

Good people, can you use V wood bits for cnc?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Chris-vc1dh, Yes, you can definitely use V bits for CNC woodworking! They are great for engraving and carving details into wood because of their unique shape. Just make sure to set the right parameters in your CNC software for the best results. Enjoy your woodworking!

[@Chris-vc1dh]

@@IDCWoodcraft but do the bits have to be just for cnc or wood router and will work fine?

[@andre1987eph]

Burn Mark = Tool Running too slow. Thanks for the tip

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andre, Exactly right brother! Seems counterintuitive doesn't it?

[@ballistictorpedo]

Feed and speed for this bit?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ballistictorpedo, No problem brother! Feed rate: 150 inches per minute Plunge rate: 7 inches per minute Speed(rpm): 10,000 Depth per pass: 0.125" Stepover: 70%

[@onlyychevys]

Maybe I need to push my machine a bit harder lol. I just bought that very same bit about a month ago.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

CHEVY! What's up? Be aggressive with this one. It's meant to work its way through. what have you used it on so far?

[@onlyychevys]

@@IDCWoodcraft Make wood flat lol. It works very good for that. Im gonna push it tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@onlyychevys set it to 60 to 100 ipm. I suggest 70 to start with

[@zippe43467]

now this is just a comment for you to laugh about, not anything derisive in any way. You teach us so much about setting up your toolpaths,and depths, I would think we wouldn't see the deep cuts on your spoilboard..... LOL

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Zippee, im glad you liked the video my friend. Those deep cuts were fun weren't they?! Haha

[@chrisadesigns]

You keep saying machining tolerances but the difference over 1in is not that great, I'd be devastated with this tolerance in aluminium.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Cut. this comment surprises me. .003" is too loose for you in machining tolerance terms? sounds like you tend towards aerospace specs.

[@chrisadesigns]

@@IDCWoodcraft in metric that is 0.07mm its an ok tolerance but a lot of machinist will start at 0.01-0.02mm, standard practice for fitting bearings and mating features, +-0.07 is either sloppy or still needs work. Just my professional opinion. Aerospace is a whole different story as you have to meet tolerances and specific surface finishes (ra) PS , that tolerance is over 1in (25.4mm) you translate that to a small part like 4in then that's a lot out.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@chrisadesigns I agree. Of course, we are not talking about JIS or ISO standards. When I was machining, our standards always started w/ 0.05mm as the high-end tolerance. However, the argument here is not metal working standards. This is working with wood. Given the nature of the beast, these are extremely good tolerances. Oh I like conversations like this. someone who is there and gets the machining industry. In my engineering design work, I often started with +/-0.01 as I needed super high tolerances on the machines I was designing. Did you ever have to do cryo-fitting in your design work??

[@chrisadesigns]

@@IDCWoodcraft agree with nature of the beasts, just never heard people say machining and wood in the same sentence lol,

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@chrisadesigns interesting point. That insight gave me a good chuckle.

[@thecooperpointofview6910]

I’m just getting into the cnc world and purchased the foxalien 4040xe , it has the 1/8 inch shank, what is the best way to increase shank size to 1/2 inch.

[@thecooperpointofview6910]

Or can I use the 1/4 inch shank surface bit with my 1/8 inch?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

If you have a 1/8-in collet, you can only use 1/8-in shank bits. The only way you can change that is by getting a new spindle or router that has a 1/4 in collet

[@ammodad6238]

I have the same machine. I went on Amazon and bought a 1/4” spring collet. It runs pretty good but the machine is kind of light.

[@markpeterson1335]

I got one at daabin store here in town for $7

[@IDCWoodcraft]

MarkPeterson, right on brother glad to hear you are set up!

[@herschemiller7863]

What is a good set of 90 degree bits

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Hershe. If you need something right now, I provided 3 options below. If you can wait a few days, I'm very close to working out a deal with some very good bits made in the US with good prices (not on Amazon). Testing them now. They'll be announced to my list first. I think you signed up already. This is a good tool. Can be used for all 90d work: amzn.to/3qPj6d1 However, I really like the performance of this. Makes very smooth cuts and made of carbide and highly recommend: amzn.to/3r3U0r9 If you're looking for a starter set to practice with and has variety, get these. I started out with them. They are okay but will not last too long and I had to order something better pretty quickly: amzn.to/3pi99ED

[@cocowhite5017]

You are saller ?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Konrad. I wasn't when I made the video. As time went on, I saw there was a need for a beginners router bit set so started to sell a set. Since the surfacing bits were selling and I was only getting 0.43$ per sale as an affiliate, I decided to add them to what I sell.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Here's the tool access and {code UNW8VE2V}: amzn.to/2Ny1Mef

[@Coco-qz7fn]

Still not buying from China...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Coco, what do you mean brother?

[@Coco-qz7fn]

@@IDCWoodcraft Oh mean no disrespect, but with today's climate and the state of the world, i'm staying away from anything that is made in China, you referenced in your vid that the bit was from China unless i'm mistaken.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@Coco-qz7fn only this one is. I'm in the process of sourcing from USA now. Should be online in a couple months