broke my 1/8 cutting bit...thinking about my replacement options

[dltccf]

I broke my 1/8 inch cutting bit. I was looking at my replacement options and was leaning toward getting the 3/16 cutting bit instead and possibly adding the 1/16 to go with it for times when the 3/16 is too big. Could someone who has the different bit types please comment on the pros and cons? If you have two or all three, which one is your "go to" bit that you wouldn't do without?

I also looked at some other options like cw-parts.com. How well do his bits work in a version c machine?

dave

[easybuilt]

The 3/16 is a good option with the CarveTight but carbide bits do break.
Consider cutting less deep with each the max. pass depth. Maybe .125 for each cut should save your bits. cw-parts has great bits but they still break under pressure.

[DickB]

I definitely recommend the 3/16" cutting bit and that is my go-to bit for cutouts unless I need the precision. But I still will make three passes (1/4" max cut) in hard maple and oak. I do use the 1/8" bit to cut gears, but generally they are cut from 1/4" Baltic Birch, so I'm not concerned with cutting in one pass and suffered no broken bits. You might find that you need both bits. The 1/16" can only cut thin stock and I don't have a need for that bit.

Bits break for a lot of reasons. If there is an x- or y-axis issue with your machine even a 3/16" bit can break. You should try to determine the cause of the breakage before replacing bits.

[dltccf]

The 3/16 is a good option with the CarveTight but carbide bits do break.
Consider cutting less deep with each the max. pass depth. Maybe .125 for each cut should save your bits. cw-parts has great bits but they still break under pressure.

I already do set max depth, It broke because the right door sensor said closed and the left didn't so it started moving across the wood without the cut motor running and broke off.

So if you were only going to order one cutting bit would it be the 1/8 or 3/16? Does the 3/16 cut at the same speed as the 1/8?

[edzbaker]

Dave, A few weeks back, Sears was practically giving the 1/8 cutting bits away. When you could find them in the stores they were $1.87 ea . (Our local sears had NONE) Now the cheapest I find the 1/8 bit for is on ebay, at $18.00 + $2.75 shipping. That is a Bare Bit.

[dltccf]

Dave, A few weeks back, Sears was practically giving the 1/8 cutting bits away. When you could find them in the stores they were $1.87 ea . (Our local sears had NONE) Now the cheapest I find the 1/8 bit for is on ebay, at $18.00 + $2.75 shipping. That is a Bare Bit.

I know, timing is everything. I did get the other bit set that sears was closing out a couple of months ago though.

[cestout]

In my opinion, you need the 1/8 in bit fore more accurate cutouts. The 3/16 bit would would be good to have for non detail cuts like rounds or rectangles etc. If you save the broken CT bit and press the bit out of the collar, you can press a bare bit or old QC bit into it.
Clint

[mtylerfl]

... If you save the broken CT bit and press the bit out of the collar, you can press a bare bit or old QC bit into it.
Clint

Hi Clint,

How do we press the old bit out and the new bit into the collar? Do we need to purchase a special tool for that?

[dltccf]

In my opinion, you need the 1/8 in bit fore more accurate cutouts. The 3/16 bit would would be good to have for non detail cuts like rounds or rectangles etc. If you save the broken CT bit and press the bit out of the collar, you can press a bare bit or old QC bit into it.
Clint

Is there a speed difference in cutting with the 3/16 vs. the 1/8th? I was thinking there was and it would therefore be better to have the 3/16 for speed and the 1/16 for detail?

And I did save the broken bit, how do you go about pressing it in and out?

dave

[chief2007]

Really not too much difference in cutting speeds, I would still recommend cutting using multi passes as you would do with the 1/8 bit.

I have an arbor press I use to press bits into the carvetight adapter. I use permanent loctite on the adapter and then press the bit in. Let them set for a day and your ready to carve. I just did 4 bits today.

I knock out the broken bits with a punch and hammer after heating the adapter first.