[DHay13]

I have a Bosch Colt 1 HP router on my CNC machine with a 1/4" collet. I am looking for smaller bits for finer detail. The smallest I have is 1/8". What are my options? Can I get 1/4" bits with the smaller tip? Where? Can I get a 1/8" collet for that router and get 1/8" bits then?

[ger21]

you can get 1/8" collets at Precision solid carbide tools for woodworking and metal forming.

[aarongough]

Many smaller bits come with a 1/8" shank. So once you've got your 1/8" collet adaptor you'll be able to go down to at least 1/32"

[DHay13]

Thanks. My router is the PR20EVSK. The website says they are for the 1618 router. Will these work?

[ger21]

No, you need these.
Precision Bosch-Colt Compatible Nuts and Collets

Also, if you buy one, check Ebay for bits with 1/8" shanks. You can find an incredible assortment, typically for less than $5 each.

[fixtureman1]

You can get 1/16 bits from Carvewright that have a 1/4 shank you don't need the adapter.

[ger21]

You can get 1/16 bits from Carvewright that have a 1/4 shank you don't need the adapter.

At $40 each, for the price of two of those bits, you can get the 1/8" collet and ten 1/8" shank bits.

Edit: after looking closer, that is a 1/8" shank bit, with an adapter. http://store.carvewright.com/product...=18825&cat=251

1/10 the price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-16-0625-2-...item231fe43994

[jm82792]

I'm still on a moron status when it comes to bits, but drillman1 on ebay has some smaller solid carbide ballnose bits that seem to work.
(Ger21 beat me to it by hours I should buy that 1/16" bit, I've been needing one like that )


http://stores.ebay.com/CARBIDE-PLUS/...=p4634.c0.m322
http://stores.ebay.com/CARBIDE-PLUS/...=p4634.c0.m322

[fixtureman1]

At $40 each, for the price of two of those bits, you can get the 1/8" collet and ten 1/8" shank bits.

Edit: after looking closer, that is a 1/8" shank bit, with an adapter. CarveWright :: Bits :: Carving & Cutting Bits :: 1/16" Cutting Bit

1/10 the price. 1/16" (.0625") 2 FLUTE CARBIDE ENDMILLS - NEW Kyocera Tycom | eBay

Carvewright has different bits listed I get the 1/4 shank bits
CarveWright :: Bits :: Carving & Cutting Bits :: 1/16" Carving Bit

If you read the specs on this one you will see it has the 1/4 shaft. They are a lot stronger than the 1/8 shaft bits I got mine at a lot better deal 6 for $100

[louieatienza]

Carvewright has different bits listed I get the 1/4 shank bits
CarveWright :: Bits :: Carving & Cutting Bits :: 1/16" Carving Bit

If you read the specs on this one you will see it has the 1/4 shaft. They are a lot stronger than the 1/8 shaft bits I got mine at a lot better deal 6 for $100

I don't think the smaller diameter tools with larger shanks are any stronger, as some unintended "tests" have led me to conclude. In fact I cannot tell you the last time I broke a 1/8" shank bit. Of course I suppose there might be a time when you may need a short flute length with some strength, but then it's probably better to use a stub endmill. If clearance isn't an issue I find it better to have the collet as close to the work as possible as that provides the maximum ridgidity of the tool.

You can get 10 of the Kyocera bits for about $35 and they cut well, into almost every material I threw at it, including fiberglass-based G10 and aluminum. You also have a greater selection of endmills and bits to choose from in 1/8" shank, as there are not as many options for 1/8" bits with 1/4" shanks.

I would also check out the thread stickied on router bits and endmills for more info....

[Walky]

Regarding 1/8" to 1/4" adapters, there are by far the best I've used.

Elaire Corporation

[jm82792]

Where can you get 10 kyrocera bits for that cheap?
I'm seeing them for about $5 each or so, but that's a rather low price.
Also I'd like to concur, I have not broken an 1/8 bit for a long time,
and the only time I've broken them is when I'm cutting Ipe which is harder then ebony.

[ger21]

Where can you get 10 kyrocera bits for that cheap?

(10) - 1/32" (.0312") CARBIDE 2 FLUTE ENDMILL, NEW Kyocera Tycom | eBay

(10) - 3/32" (.0938") 4 FLUTE CARBIDE ENDMILLS - NEW Kyocera Tycom | eBay

(10) 1/16" (.0625") 4 FLUTE CARBIDE ENDMILLS - NEW Kyocera Tycom | eBay

[jm82792]

Ah :-)
Right under my nose,.

[Bob La Londe]

Precise Bits has precision collets and their own collet nut available for the Bosch Colt (and other routers).

K2CNC makes a nice precision 1/4" - 1/8" brass bushing with a set screw to hold the 1/8" shank tool.

I have both.

I also made some of my own bushings on the mini lathe for 3/16" and metric size shank tools.

The Precsise Bits collets are the best IMO, but also the most expensive.

My home made and reamed to fit bushings are not to bad, but I have to keep the drill depth prior to reaming as shallow as possible to keep it straight. Maybe 3/4" without to much drift for 1/8". The biggest cost is the precision reams for each size bushing.

I still have a Bosch Colt on my cheap gantry machine, but I am running a PC690 on my main work horse now. I have a 1/2 straight shank ER16 collet chuck in it, and that works nicely for that application.

I might add that the Bosch Colt has had some inconsistent chuck tapers since early 2011. Precise Bits documents this on their website and has a cool simple solution for those that are not consistent.

[jm82792]

What is the life on the collets from precise bits?
I have hundreds of hours on them, the bits are sticking a little bit, and I'm clueless on their life span.

[Bob La Londe]

What is the life on the collets from precise bits?
I have hundreds of hours on them, the bits are sticking a little bit, and I'm clueless on their life span.

I don't know. I have more than a few 100 hours on mine. Do you remember to lubricate them once in awhile? Anyway, mine have out lasted a couple of routers now.

[jm82792]

I use collet care on decent basis
I know what you mean on the colts, they don't last a long time.
They are great for $100 but I want to try a VFD someday.