Personally I would say from a novice point of view that branded bits would be better given a perhaps better manufacturing quality both in tolerances and raw material used..which commands a higher price because of production costs...Cheaper bits may be inferior but at a price point any novice can afford given he or she is not used to parameters straight away therefore it doesn't matter if you break a few in the process. Me personally the only branded bits I have I ordered with the machine and for the limited cutting I have done with them they are better. I am using cheap Chinese bits presently until such time I'm learned enough to merit using them..that day is far off yet lol.. But in the defence of cheap Chinese bits. There are adequate up to a point...
The router bits appeared to be burnt and the cuts are usually "rough". My shop teacher refused to buy me new router bits. The Porter Cable 690 router motor doesn't have speed controller.
If you are burning bits, your Feedrate is too low. Beginners tend to be too conservative, you can take heavier cuts. In fact, you need to. Big chips pull heat out of the bits. Dont make dust. Make chips
Best bits is so subjective. It just depends on what you are looking for and what is loaded the most often for the cut. I use Whiteside, Yonico and Amana
I use Whiteside as well, they are reasonably priced, not too expensive, but not cheap. I have been using their bits for non CNC based routing for ages.
I have only one expensive bit and it's a Whiteside 25mm surfacing bit for my spoilerboard..great bit does a mighty fine job
Depends what you are cutting - I found that cutting mdf or chipboard branded bits don't last significantly longer than cheaper ones - as soon as resin from the glue builds up on the cutting edge it rapidly overheats and the keenness of the edge is lost before you realise it's happening. Another common beginner mistake is to use too high a spindle speed - as @Peter Van Der Walt said - make chips. Alex
Or a too low feedrate, too shallow depth of cut. Chips pull the heat out of the bits. Its less science, cost and brands... Than just getting in there, with some cheapies while you Learn. The experience is worth way more than expensive bits. Oh and wear eye protection. Flying pieces of carbide move like a bullet
The CNC router at the program for mentally handicapped people doesn't have spindle speed controller. It uses Porter Cable 690 router motor. Any suggestions?
Put out the word in the local facebook community seeking a donation. Somebody may just have a variable speed shelf ornament they'd be willing to part with if it's going to a good cause.
Maybe even try your luck with OpenBuilds Fair Share Give Back Program (tell the story, share the cause who knows...)
I purchased a set of end mills from Harbor Freight for $75. Might not be the best but they are good enough to play with and if I break one it doesn't cost me $50/end mill. Titanium Nitride Coated End Mill Set 20 Pc
toolstoday has good tools if you can afford them. Amazon is hit or miss, but mostly decent. I have two CMT vbits that are pretty good and a couple of good upcuts from Amazon.
