These are the best hobbyist CNC Surfacing Bits I have used in 2023.
After a while in an industry, you start to realize… I know stuff, and other people tend to gravitate to me for knowledge. To me this is one of those areas I can help in the CNC machining world. Our investments in the machine and accessories can really add up fast so knowing the little tips can really help when choosing things like bits.
Whiteside CNC Spoilboard Surfacing Router Bit
First, we will start with the Whiteside 6210.
- Under $40!!!
- Carbide tipped
- 3 blade edges
- 1″ Cutting Diameter
This little bit is famous, if you don’t know of it go ahead and buy yourself one. You really won’t regret it. With that said, you have to say why is this not the industry standard if it is so good?
It’s so good, for the price. My issues with it basically lie in that it has three cutting surfaces that once they wear out, are done. You basically can throw it away at that point. You can’t sharpen a surfacing bit to the precision needed for all three surfaces. My other issue is the 1″ cutting diameter.
Not bad for a charcuterie board, but a real booger for something large.
The RC-2265
- 3 Carbide Blade Inserts
- Pricey at $180
- 1.5″ Cutting Diameter
The RC-2265 is an exceptional surfacing bit! With a 1.5″ cutting diameter, you can solve the problem of flatting large surfaces quickly. It leaves a perfectly smooth surface. That alone is totally worth it. The next positive is that the bit has blade inserts. If your blades dull or you get a ding, you can just rotate the insert or replace it.
For those followers of mine that think I am a die hard Amana guy; my dislikes. Well, for one, it’s pretty expensive. I guess you get what you pay for, but the Whiteside 6210 does it for much less and it’s not perfect. I tend to believe that the bit has too much vibration and if you know what I say about vibration and cnc work, you know it is about the worst thing you can have.
I also am not a fan of the chamfered edges. Because of the angles of the blades you don’t get a flat side wall (not that it is needed often in surfacing).
RIP Precision Tools 1.375" Slab Slayer
Last, but not least, the RIP Precision Slab Slayer,
- 3 Cutting Inserts
- 1.375″ Cutting Diameter
- Inserts are 4 sided DLC coated blades
- Super quiet cutting
This bit is the median size and price between the threeand I have to say it is the smoothes surfacing bit I have used. I think you could find better with a 1/2″ shank, but in this category it is about as good as it gets.
It looks cool too!
My only dislike is the diameter cutting area, again, I wish it was a bit bigger.
I really have use for all three of these surfacing bits in my business, but as my top bit of 2023 I have to say it’s the Slab Slayer. I personally wish it had a wider cutting diameter, but I also understand that at a 1/4″ shank you have limitations. The vibration and stability of a wider diameter cutting surface would just be too much.