Tools of the Trade - Bits

Hello!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful February. This month has flown by and I can't believe March is in a week! I'm looking forward to Spring, as it has been very cold and rainy here. It's also easier to work in the workshop when the weather is a little warmer.

A few of my tools for the x carve and cross stitching.

I've been thinking about things to post and I thought it would be fun to do a Tools of the Trade post for both woodworking and cross stitch. Being a cross stitcher and learning to be a woodworker has a lot of different tools. I figured I would pick one thing, either woodworking or cross stitch, choose a tool and do a post on what I use. For this post I chose bits for my CNC machine. 

A few of the bits I use.

Different carves require different bits. I'm just beginning my bit collection. I always see different bits everywhere, see all the neat things they do and it just makes me want more. I bought bits that came with my X Carve. While I like some of the bits, I broke 2 rather quickly. I may have broke them from inexperience, however I went researching for other brands. My current favorite bits are from Amana Tool that I purchased from Tools Today. Being inexperienced, I loved how Tools Today had excellent descriptions and even videos. I purchased a few bits and went to work.  I will say the best tip for learning CNC or even woodworking is it's OK if something doesn't come out right the first time. I always learn something new when I make a mistake. It has taken me a bit (no pun intended lol) to get the hang of things, but with patience I began to make signs.

Here are a few bits I used with pictures of the signs I made with them.

Key Hole Bit

60 Degree Bit & 1/16 bit

         

30 Degree Bit

Different size shanks require different size collets.

I'm very proud of myself. I feel I've come very far. While these are a few of the bits I have used I do not claim to know everything about them. I'm always practicing, reading up and watching videos on different bits and different techniques. I feel confident in the signs I'm making, I always get excited when a new idea comes to life. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or thoughts I would love to here them. I love learning new things and CNC machines are new to me. My father was a woodworker and built children's toys, random bookshelves and other odds and ends. I did spend time with him and have some knowledge, but knowledge can always grow. 

I hope you enjoyed my little Tools of the Trade post. Next month  will be about cross stitching! You can find these signs and other fun handiworks in my shop Milly Bean Handiworks. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and continue to grow your craft. Whatever it is, be patient, give it time and it will happen!

Happy Crafting!

~ Jennifer

Milly Bean Handiworks

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P.S. The products used in this post are purchases made by me, I enjoyed using them and wanted to share my experience. I have not been compensated for this post.