Just a quick question. I just received my 1/8" and 1/4″ Flat Compression End Mill. I would like to cutout a family name with the compression bits I received. I created the toolpath and ready to cutout the wood. However, when I goto the tool database in vcarve pro the actual bit is not there. Do I create the tool myself? If so where do I get all the tool information to input in the tool database? Or do I choose another cnc bit?
Hi Vince,
Sienci has its own tool database you can install in vectric. You can find it here together with an install guide.
On top of the page is a feed 'n speed list for various materials if you want to create your own tool. Note that these charts and database is ented on using a longmill. If you have another machine, these might not work for ya.
I mostly use specs for an 1/25 upcut when installing a compression, but that’s me being my usual lazy ol’ self.
Hi Eddie thanks for your response. I do have the 48x30 LongMill MK2. I did download and install the Sienci Labs tool database. I was hoping to fine the 1/8" and 1/4″ Flat Compression End Mill. But it is not listed
See, I didn’t even know sienci didn’t have the cmp bits in their lib. I have only the standard library, siencis one and idc woodcrafts. So it must be that idc woodcraft provides at least a 6mm35 cmp straight cutter profile.
If no one else answers, I’ll screenshot what I have on cmp bits when I get back at the shop, wich might be the day after tomorow, at its latest.
Or you could look at it yourself at:
I use the IDC Woodcraft data base, and it works well with a Longmill MK1.
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Thanks for your response. Just a question. I looked at the tool settings for the IDC Woodcraft for the 1/8" compression bit. The pass depth settings is set to 0.125 per pass. Shouldn’t it be set to 0.0625 since the general rule is that pass depth should not exceed greater than half the cutting diameter of your bit. I’m using pine. Will this damage the bit if I leave the setting the way they are?
Well, a cmp has an upcut tip that has a certain length. For the bit to work the first plunge needs to be below the upcut part to leave a clean cut on the top. I don’t have a 3mm175 cmp (anymore, I broke them both and found alternative ways to deal with teareout on 1/8th cutouts) so I don’t know how big the upcut tip on that endmill is, but I think that’s the reason why the plunge is set thus large.
That.. and idcwoodcraft has the tendency to drive their bits agressively.
Because I have a wee slob in my machine, I like to use an upcut with a spiraling toolpath when I do a cutout, and trace it with a roundover to eliminate tearout. To not have burnmarks I set my plunge speed the same as the cutting speed. It gives a way smoother cutting edge than having an agressive plunge. (Imho) Spiraling, or plunging down a cmp bit too little, does nothing but wear out an expensive bit for no reason.
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