Hog Mill / Corncob Mill

Generally roughing end mills are followed by a finishing end mill due to the fact that they leave a rough surface finish. Roughing end mills are sometimes called hoggers or hogging.

Ball Nose

Ball Nose cutters are often used for finishing operations. If only one tool will be used for all surfaces a ball end geometry will give a more consistent overall feel and smooth result.Ball end mills will leave smaller scallops for the same stepover value on sloped surfaces, but they will also leave scallops on flat areas. When choosing a ball end mill always chooses the largest size available. For the same stepover, a larger tool will leave smaller scallops, thus giving a smoother result. For a generally smooth model with some areas of fine detail, a large tool should be used for the overall job and a smaller tool should be used only to clean out detailed areas. Larger tools cut more cleanly, have larger clearance, and stay sharp longer. The velocity of the cutting edge on a larger tool is higher for the same spindle speed.

Up / Down Cuts

Upcut will keep the bit cool while quickly evacuating materials when cutting plastic or aluminum, however, it will fray the top surface, and may lift your material so be sure to have adequate hold-downs in place. Downcut bits ensure a smooth top surface on laminates, assist with holding down your thin parts, and possibly avoiding tabs on larger parts.

Compression bit

Compression Bits Cuts through stock and gives clean cuts in both top and bottom. No tear out as bit is designed to pull work into the center of the stock. Ideal for double sided veneer plywood, melamine, and laminates. As for size recommendations, it really depends on the specific application you intend to use the bit for. We find that the 1/8?, 1/4? and 1/2? Up-cut and the 1/4? and 1/2? Compression bits are the most popular for our customers applications.

V-bit

60° or 90° V-bit is great for what’s called V-carving

Straight Flute

These are best for general-use cutting with a good edge quality on many materials.

• Single flutes should be chosen where speed and clearance rates are more important than the finish.
• Two straight flute cutter produce a better finish.
• Three straight flute are for fine trimming
• Downcut shear minimize breakout on the top surface
• Up/down shear minimize break on both top and bottom and are ideal for laminate board.
• Staggered tooth cutters are ideal for deep mortising and grooving.