Bits and End Mills for Beginners - CNC For the Absolute Beginner

[@cncnutz]

Nice one Mark. I have a keyhole bit that is worth having but other than that and 1/8 up and Down cutters you covered pretty much everything I have in my tool kit. You can make a lot of projects with a few basic cutters. Cheers Peter

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you Peter. I totally forgot the 1/8 inch up and down cut bits for smaller holes and pockets. I absolutely agree that they should be on the list.

[@jokonstantin1]

Hello Mark from Greece , thanks to help with your experience .When a Man shares the experience and wisdom he has hardly acquired, helping other People who he does not know without personal benefit here in Greece we call it ΑΡΕΤΗ... VIRTUE...

[@workerbee4891]

Thank you for this video, Mark! I'm about 3 weeks out still on delivery of my new machine and I am about to buy some bits in preperation. You laid some knowledge on me, lol

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you! Before you spend a penny on any bits or tools, find out what size collet(s) your machine's spindle/router comes with, and buy ONLY the bits/tools that will fit that collet size or sizes.

[@iainrutherford184]

Hi Mark. I've heard numerous 'trusted' YTubers recommend your channel. I subscribed before I watched the first video. I really appreciate the time that you have invested and will make decisions based on your advice. Today sir, you have made a difference. Thank you 😊

[@ElCidPhysics90]

5 years! You sound like you have 25 years in cnc. So much knowledge.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've been at this for about 8 years now, working on it full time. This is what I mean when I say that if I can do this, anybody can. Eight years ago, I couldn't even spell CNC. Now I've built/assembled 4 of them, and rarely have any problems that aren't of my own making. If you're willing to put in the time and effort it takes to learn your machine and software, you will be running circles around me in short order.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

@@MarkLindsayCNC ha! I’m not sure about that. I think building a CNC or two would be a great learning experience. I just ordered my first CNC a cpl of days ago - a OneFinity Journeyman. Wanting to start a small side business, primarily locally. But have learned a lot from you and really impressed with your teaching style and knowledge. Told my wife the other day how amazing it is to have people on KZbin, people like you, willing to teach others what they know … FOR FREE. It’s truly remarkable. And I thank you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

My whole point in everything I do on KZbin is to try to show folks that you CAN do this. There is nothing magic or secret about it. It takes time and effort - just like anything else. All I can do is break a topic down to the basics and try to present it in such a way that someone who has never done this before can (hopefully) understand it. I'm not always successful, but I give it my best. If you take nothing else from any of my videos, please at least take that - you CAN do it if you're willing to give it an honest effort.

[@brunofonseca9686]

Thanks Mark, I'm about to finish my Queen Bee Pro 1515 CNC here in Brazil, was confused on which bits to buy on Aliexpress. Your video clared it all, really appreciate all the information.

[@007JHS]

Thanks Mark... As a total beginner... not even finished assembling my router kit yet... so immensely useful.

[@AlanTaylorShearer]

I’ve literally just purchased a diy 3018 cnc for my tiny minuscule craft jobs (I have only used a Chinese diode laser & a cheap 3D printer until now. It comes with a ⅛ “ collet & those tiny bits look really fragile but everything you say holds true it seems. I’ve got 5 months of woodwork experience in my 51 years on this planet but this 28 minutes has been more helpful than anything else so far. Thank you for sharing your skill & knowledge. Knowledge is power my friend.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Alan! A lot can be done with that 1/8" collet. You'll just have to take your time and practice on scrap materials until you learn the machine and its capabilities, along with the capabilities of the 1/8" shank bits. Remember that it's not a race. Keep your pass depth (cut depth per pass) at one half of the bit's cutting diameter, then experiment with the feed rate until you get the desired cut. Too fast will break bits (which you'll most likely do until you get the hang of it,) and too slow will make sawdust. You're looking to make chips - not sawdust. Look for inexpensive 5-packs of 1/8" solid carbide upcut and downcut spiral 2-flute bits on eBay. 1/8” Shank, 1/8” cutting diameter bits like these below work great. UpCut - ebay.to/2JnWWdz ebay.to/2PW9jjl Down Cut - ebay.to/2yyCen2 ebay.to/2SeYPx7

[@AlanTaylorShearer]

Mark Lindsay CNC Thank goodness there are still some “normal” genuine people on this platform. Thanks again chap, stay safe & my best.

[@mcg5831]

Mark, thank you for putting so much effort into this. I'm just starting my cnc journey and i know it's going to be an invaluable resource that I'll reference regularly.

[@ronaldparcon9872]

I just got my onefinity cnc...no woodworking skills a retired civil engineer that can not accomplish tangible projects. ayour video gave me a lot of info esp with starting buying bits for my cnc. Thanks a lot

[@predatormachine2]

I am starting with a CNC machine, I have no experience with this kind of work. The information you have provided is extremely important to me, so I do not enter into unnecessary expenses. Very well explained, I congratulate you.

[@akayii]

Thank goodness for Mark Lindsay!

[@kmcg5083]

My friend you have just gained 1 subscriber It was nearly 26 minutes in when you said you would use the clearing bit to level the surface... 🤔 Excellent

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Yeah, I do tend to ramble... Thanks!

[@evansmott461]

Useful information. Like you many years working with timber. I've had a laser cutter / etcher for a while and just added a 3 axis CNC. My first project will be a v carved sign with an inlay. Your info has been most helpful.

[@SpideyScott72]

You truly are one of the most helpful people out there for CNC beginners. Whenever I've had a CNC related question, you have been my go to without fail. Thank you so much for spending time to make these videos for the beginners like me. I love your live Q&A's on Sundays too, awesome stuff!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Scott! I'm glad to hear the videos are helping!

[@jtr789310]

Mark is giving good advice .If you cannot figure the Chip load on the bit with your CNC (size of spindle and speed of your CNC.) Then listen to Mark he right. Small home CNC are fine but you never will be able to figure proper chip load the bit was designed for. It all about figuring Chip load for proper depth, RPM, IPM to get the most out of your bit.

[@kevinmcdonald2336]

Thanks Mark, very well explained and very helpful to me as I am new to the cnc world. Just waiting to get mine delivered within the next 2 or 3 weeks and I will be watching more of your videos. Thanks again.

[@georgedjmatrix4229]

Thank You much Mr. Lindsay , i am new to cnc's , just got my machine assembled. your recommendations and tips are sure going to be part of my toolset , Thank you once again.

[@deanellingson2203]

Thanks for the video, I purchased a used handheld router for $20.00 and it came with all the right bits you talked about plus about 40 more bits I'll probably never use. Again Thanks! From a new CNC er!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks very much, Dean! Keep 'em clean and they should last a while, but do remember that bits get dull and wear out. Some can be resharpened, but most aren't worth the effort or the cost to resharpen. I clean mine with naphtha or lacquer thinner, and they work great.

[@Pedja-J7]

Bravo for you sir!!!👏 It takes a great heart to let complete strangers learn on your own mistakes - and to give them so useful and smart advices! So unselfish, so honest and kind! Thank you sir!!!

[@jimihills]

Thankyou MarK best description on the internet I could find bought a CNC they dropped it off with 3 tools I find I cant use and theres no manual about tools speeds feeds and materials crazy thankyou for posting this for the Absolute beginner

[@jimihills]

thats from New Zealand

[@darwinvandenbosch9617]

Thanks Mark I am just entering the cnc world, I have watched I think about 20 videos and continue to watch I think for awhile. Just wanted to tell you thank you, I will probably drop you a private contact thanks again

[@neydiangeles7465]

I think I learned more with this video than I have in the last few months I have doing it by myself. Great video.

[@ScriciRockz]

You're the best man yet! Perfect explanations for exactly what i need right now! And yout got me "it will start a fire!" 🤣🤣

[@jimhester2004]

This is great info for beginners, Mark. When I bought my cnc about 9 months ago, I went crazy buying high priced bits. Half of them are still in the case, never used. They sure are pretty though.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

That's the CNC version of the peg board wall of tools that are never used but look impressive as heck. I'm guilty too.

[@NikoKauppi]

I just bought a tiny CNC machine to tinker with. Primarily aiming to laser etch/cut wood, engrave/cut acrylic and wood, overall a lot smaller scale but your videos are giving me a better idea of what to expect. Very informative. :)

[@LG-ro5le]

Just starting out in the world of cnc machining your videos are packed full of value good knowledge on this stuff cheers

[@DanBuilds]

Less than 2 minutes in and you have already helped me immensely. I have been trying to use 4-flute bits to cut wood and wondered why it kept getting too hot. Thank you thank you for making this video.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

The first bit I tried was 4 flute, and I'm sure we got the same result. Using a 4 flute bit basically doubles your router/spindle RPM over a 2 flute bit. The bit just can't clear the chip out of the cut fast enough. It ends up grinding the chips to dust, creating more and more heat as it does. I use nothing but single flute and 2 flute bits, with one exception - I have a CMT 60° v-bit that has 3 flutes. I turn the router RPM way, way down whenever I use it (which isn't very often.)

[@DanBuilds]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thanks for the response! I didn't mention it in my first comment, but it got so hot cutting plywood that started a fire in my shop-vac. Thankfully I was there when it happened and was able to get it taken care of fairly quickly, but if I had seen this video it would have likely prevented that from happening. All part of the learning process I suppose!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Here's another tip: DO NOT use a downcut spiral bit to drill straight down into wood. That'll start a fire too. Don't ask me how I know that... (Although I think I mentioned it in the video...)

[@rodwynrhind5573]

Hi Mark. Thank you for a really helpful video. I’m real new at this and have only just assembled my Cron Craft CNC machine. I’m from South Africa and don’t have much help around other than looking at videos etc. Thanks again for the encouragement to beginners like me. Cheers, Rodwyn.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Rodwyn! Just keep at it! It DOES get easier.

[@worrallswoodcrafts4366]

Thank you for such an informative video. I am in the process of buying my first CNC, and trying to understand which bits I need to start out with is confusing....thank you for clarifying this area for me.

[@avsrule47]

Good Video Mark..Thanks ..I’m a CNC newbie...don’t forget...go scavenge all the “ scrap” material you can get to save $$..you are going to ruin a lot of wood..at least I did....but it’s soooo satisfying when it finally comes together for you...

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I go to my local Craigslist and search the FREE section for scrap wood. I find a lot of material that way. Thank you for checking out the video!

[@jamiebarr7367]

Thanks a lot man I’m just starting. This help me save a few bucks not buying stuff I won’t need right away

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out! I hope it helps!

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

Wow amazing tutorial ever seen so far. I'm actually mechanical engineering side but, still for getting started with CNC router, it's important to have some information from experienced people. Thanks a lot.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Rajiv!

[@agustindiaz7454]

Thank you very much mark, all the videos that you have uploaded are helping me a lot to start without having to go through several headaches. Greetings from Argentina

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Glad to hear they're helping you out! Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@jamescullins2709]

Outstanding Mark, I'm looking fwd to it.

[@zoltanbereczki8067]

Perfect tutorial, pleasant presentation, you do have a sense for teaching and explaining, congrats!

[@stevenkellerman2240]

Thank you for your advice and experience. I don’t own the X-carve yet, so this video is helping a lot.

[@jean-marcservat6291]

Mark, thank you very much for sharing your experience with the worldwide maker community. Being new to CNC/milling, this us exactly what I needed. Best regards Jean-Marc from France.

[@mycowboyways915]

You just saved me a whole bunch of money Mark. Thank You !

[@WoodyWoodyATL]

The title of the video matches the content perfectly. Thank you!

[@xyzebruh1083]

Thank you so much! I started in CNC

[@matthiaskraus7870]

The best beginners video i have seen yet.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you!

[@sunglint]

Thank you for an extremely thorough discussion. I was looking for information on router bits, and got the best information I've found yet!

[@apolinarcisneros2784]

Hi, Mark thanks for sharing your knowledge. It is always helpful for viewers that want to try new tooling on projects or are new on woodworking. I've been working on CNCs for about 36 years or so and I'm still learning on how to use tools properly. When surfacing the spoiled board we use 5" diameter fly cutter, and to avoid getting in trouble we plunge outside the spoiled board for safety. I watched one of your videos you have using the Vcarve software and I learn a lot from it. Thank you very much and keep sharing your experience.

[@allneatstuff]

Such a good video i enjoyed it very much and it answered so many questions. You have a very natural way of instructing and explaining. I ordered a cnc router and my biggest concern was choosing the right bits for my first projects. I will watch it again and take notes. thank you. Dennis

[@billyjay4672]

Hi Mark, a lot to take in but as a newbie I'm glad I saw your video it's given me a good insight as what not to buy as and when I get my machine I was just going out and buy everything .glad I did not start other wise you know what would have happened.brilliant tips look forward to your next one's .

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Billy! It's easy to go overboard when buying tools (boy do I know that,) so I was trying to help people avoid sinking a lot of money into tools they couldn't use. I'm glad to hear it helped.

[@t4ttyt3ddyr0ck3r]

I have a small 3018 pro hobby miller, these videos have been amazing for me! Given me so much information on where to begin

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Robert! I hope it helps you out!

[@jeffreydavis9059]

Very helpful thanks for the advice

[@rodneywright284]

Thanks you for the common sense approach for new beginners like me. I was looking for some explication on bits and you broke it down so I was able to understand. I made myself a chart with the links you provide to show what each bit look like and their name.Thanks again.

[@3discnc424]

it's people like you that pass knowledge make the world tick thank you very much

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words!

[@sirbobdesign]

I am into Acrylic. I just wanted to say nice clear teaching video, WTG!

[@husienalwi9579]

This is superrrrr amazing knowledge!! Would you please make a video with the advance tool kit just like this one.. Thank you! Much appreciated it! From Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@user-tt9is5ug9q]

Thank you for your advice

[@k.p.1139]

Perfect video! NOT long winded because I was taking notes! Thanks!!

[@puits-de-science]

Hello Mark, a few lines to congratulate you for this excellent video. I have been very impressed by the quality and the clarity of your presentation. You are an outstanding teacher, very pleasant to listen to ! I have started CNC a couple of weeks ago, I have started to understand the bit selection logic and I was looking for some more information.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Andre! I hope you find the videos helpful!

[@grafzahl7878]

Thanks a thousand times. This was exactly what I was looking for as an absolute beginner! Excellently explained.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you! I hope you find it helpful! Check out the next video after this one - I forgot a couple of bits.

[@grafzahl7878]

Not sure which one you mean. V-Carving?

[@cliffyboy76]

Very informative. Building my first CNC machine now and needed info on bits, this was exactly what I needed. Great job.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out! I hope it helps.

[@Abdellah230]

Sir you have my Respect ... a very well detailed explanation. thank you so much for sharing your Knowledge - you have a new subscriber

[@lanceday3879]

thank you Mark, your video was exactly what I was looking for as I am just about to get into CNC work in my shop. I am new to this and very much appreciate your effort to help me decide what I need to get started. Again, GREAT JOB and THANK you. I will definitely subscribe to your channel. Thank you

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Lance. I hope the videos help you out!

[@fxsrider]

Thanks for the information!

[@empireelectronics2735]

Nice explanation sir..nice information..

[@jamescullins2709]

very good, I would like to see one on plastics as well if you have time to do it.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

A video or two on plastics will be coming soon.

[@scottmahoney7920]

Thanks for the great info! I am looking to put a MPCNC together and wanted an understanding of what bits would be good to start and this was perfect for me. You should have more viewers based on your content and info that you provide. Thanks again

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for the kind words, Scott. I do appreciate it. I did a second video right after this one, because I forgot 2 bits (oops.) Thanks for checking it out!

[@stevegronsky8904]

Great video Mark. Clear and concise with very good information. As a total newbie I really appreciate information such as this.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Sir! I hope you got something out of it!

[@stevegronsky8904]

I sure did. Thanks again

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Informative, interesting and well presented. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks from Orlando

[@stryker7445]

Just started looking at CNC - Great Video

[@markmpolizzi3605]

Absolutely great info, at least for me as a beginner. Thank You!

[@catherineharris4746]

Outstanding!👍👍👍

[@mostafamaky9980]

Wish I saw this video earlier. I had to break two bits and read through many online forums to get about this much information. Thanks!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I went through a bit or two myself, asked a lot of questions, watched a ton of videos, and read everything I could find when I was just starting out. That's why I decided to make this video.

[@lukegreene7672]

Thank you for the information. I am currently working on my first cnc build and it seems you have quite a few informational videos that will be very helpful as I work through my project.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Luke! Good luck on your build!

[@mogisanjaya2645]

Really Glad i found your video Sir. huge thanks to you, since i was a total beginner. really aprecciated it for every explanation you've said, really really clear and neat. and.. Respect for the intens of giving warning and attention about what experiences you've got, to me/us who just make a step to a CNC things. so we will not going to ruin our first step. thank you so much Sir. subsribed.

[@farukokumus6689]

thats what i needed. thx

[@RichA7CV41]

Another excellent video Mark, thank you. I've been binge watching your videos.....thank you so much for sharing your knowledge......

[@HarnealMedia]

Good info Mark. I agree fully on ball nose size for projects. My first 3D layout had a 210 hour cut time, and i doubt i would wait 9 days to cut a single 12 x 12 image.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Yeah, that's a bit much. Maybe 8 days, but 9 is a bit excessive... 😆

[@ZappninLLP]

Just discovered your channel. Thank you very much!

[@privacytest9126]

Thank you so much, this was wonderful. So helpful for beginners!

[@MacBaerFFM]

Excellent video and extremely helpful. I've just started with a tiny Chinese CNC mill that I want to use for PCB milling but then as often, I'm also interested in what else can be done using wood or acrylic, having no clue whatsoever when it comes to bit selection. With the help of this video, this is hopefully changing. Thank you!

[@davidanderson8247]

THank you for the information, I have been researching cnc s and am thinking about purchasing an evolution 3 from Bobs cnc. I would appreciate any advice, tips or tricks about similar priced machines. Thank you. David Anderson

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, David. I don't really have an opinion on the Bob's E3, as I've never used one. I do know that the overwhelming majority of the folks who own one absolutely love it - we're talking like 99% of them. Keep doing your research, and keep in mind the way you intend to use a CNC. If you're looking at high volume production, then a home hobby machine isn't for you. If you're just hoping to add a tool to your arsenal, then a home hobby machine might be a perfect fit. Do an honest assessment of your plans to use the machine, and go for the heaviest duty machine that fits your needs, and your budget will allow.

[@theinternal]

Thank you very much! Watching this was very informative and I got the opportunity to confirm, I was already headed in the right direction with my choices when it comes to the essential bits & mills.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks! Check out the video after this one - I forgot a couple of bits.

[@thinkpink1958]

Thanks you very much from Madrid, ( Spain). I've learned a lot

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for watching! I hope it helps you out!

[@davidrowe1254]

Sorry After watching the video again you answered my question

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Something to be aware of is the type of bit you're using. A downcut spiral, for instance, can be pulled down, out of the collet if enough stress is placed on it. Not completely out (most likely) but enough to ruin a project.

[@davidrowe1254]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thank you Mark I really appreciate your advice and help. Blessings

[@noorsaidijohannoor7563]

Very useful

[@georgekenner6588]

Love your content

[@GaryShaine]

Perfect. Thanks for the info! Just got a Shark HD5 and 2hp spindle... bits are my next purchase. So glad I ran across your channel. Subscribing!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Gary! I'm glad to hear it helped!

[@curtbrooks7495]

thanks for the info.

[@davidames3955]

thank you Mark for your input on bits

[@alagamey]

Thank you for your advice ... I learn so much information from you ... keep up

[@eljodioerrante]

Thank you very much.

[@larrydeechurch6541]

Hey Mark - I've been laid up after some foot surgery - ordered to stay off my feet for another week. I started watching your Vectric tutorials today - so far about 6 of them. Definitely helps make good use of my time. I'm still seeking clarification about V bits presumably with a zero point vs V engraving bits with a specified flat tip diameter. I'm doing detailed line art engravings and find the most useful bits have a .005" flat tip radius. I bought a 90 degree 1/2" Freud V bit expecting a zero point but I must have missed something in the specs as it has a significantly large, non specified flat tip. Also wondering about tapered ball nose bits and why I would use one over a straight ball nose. I'll go look at some more of your videos.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Larry! Hope you're well on the mend! I answered your last 2 questions about v-bits, tip diameters, and angles in the comments on previous videos. You should have gotten a notification. As for a tapered ball nose bit, they're mainly (but not exclusively) used for 3D carving. The cutting edge along the taper carves away any material that could get in the way of the tiny tip on the ballnose. Keep in mind most tapered ballnose bits have a tip diameter smaller than 1/8 inch (my smallest right now is 3/64",) so they need all the help they can get. In fact, as tapered ballnose bits go, a 1/8" tip diameter is huge.

[@visvivacnckenya1620]

I have to admit this video will get you started.

[@raymondwarner3577]

Wow Mark, just the information I needed. Thank you.

[@robertwelch5584]

As always thanks for the video's. I am a confused amateur with a question: after watching, where would you use a down cut end mill. Thinking through any project it seems that you would always use an up cut to avoid that "small" fire.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Robert. To clarify, down cut bits only have that problem when they're used to drill holes straight down into the material. They try to eject the chips downward, into the hole. The sides of the hole trap the chips and there's nowhere for them to go. Then the tip of the bit compacts them further as it plunges deeper, creating a huge amount of friction. That's when you have the potential for a fire. I use downcut bits for pocketing and cutting profiles quite a lot, and they work perfectly. Since they cut downward, the don't lift the top surface of the material, leaving splinters and chip out. Downcut bits are perfectly safe to use for most tasks - just not for drilling holes, straight down into the material.

[@jagoehring]

Excellent information! Thank you! I'm such a beginner, it's not even funny. LOL. This gives me a direction to start with. :D

[@WoodArtVlogs]

Amazing bits 👍👍👍

[@ryansrelics6375]

Very well explained. Great for beginners. Thank you!

[@ArnaudMEURET]

Nice coverage. And I appreciate the carefully edited subtitles! 👌

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I'm very glad to hear the subtitles are helping!

[@onelac9853]

Good info

[@fenders9911]

iam a beginner kinda great advice u gave out ty ...

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for watching! I hope it helps!

[@marekwaczynski3894]

Dear Mark. Thx for video very useful. Being newbie (I have SainSmart 4030 CNC machine) please explain also for ball nose bits which ball tip radius is the most used for 3D carving. Thanks in advance. Kind Regards Marek/Poland

[@marekwaczynski3894]

OK I think I found an answer if correctly understood. 1/4 and 1/8 inch as 25:30 laps time written

[@atmm89]

Gee I wish I saw this a few days ago, thank you for the great advice