Basic Bits
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      Guide to Stock Bits

      For a guide to our specialty bits, click here.

      Key Bit Dimensions cutter.png

      Keep in mind:

      • Origin ships with a 1/4" collet, meaning that it accepts bits with a 1/4" shank. Never attempt to force bits with a larger shank diameter.

      • The maximum cutter diameter is 1". When using bits that are larger than 1/4," start with shallow passes as you get accustomed to the material and bit.

      • Don't use bearing bits with Origin.

      • Because Origin retracts whenever it encounters a tracking error, keyhole bits and dovetail bits need to be used very cautiously. Straying beyond the corrective circle will cause the bit to be retracted vertically through the material you are cutting.

      • Never attempt to cut deeper than the cutting flute length.

      Included Bits:

      Origin ships with 3 high quality bits. They are made of carbide, a material known for maintaining a sharp cutting edge for a long time. The bits are primarily designed for cutting wood with Origin. 

      For an overview of specialty bits we offer, click here.

      The tag on the side of the bit packaging contains the essential data:

      UC . 1/4 . 3/4

      1_4uc.png 

      UC = up cut, 1/4" cutting diameter, 3/4" cutting flute length end mill.

      This is our most commonly used bit for working with any wood type. This bit is able to cut 1/4" deep per pass up to a maximum depth of 3/4". Two cutting flutes enable the bit to move rapidly through large panels. When cutting wood with this bit, start with a spindle speed of 4-5 and adjust as necessary.

      UC . 1/8 . 1/2

      1_8uc.png

      UC = up cut, 1/8" cutting diameter, 1/2" cutting flute length end mill.

      When cutting finer detail work, the 1/8" bit works excellently. The flute length limits the total cut depth to 1/2". When cutting wood with this bit, start with a spindle speed of 4-5 and adjust as necessary.

      V60 . 1/4 . 1/4

      v60.png

      V60 = 60 degree V bit, 1/4" cutting diameter, approximately 1/4" flute length end mill.

      For engraving, the V bit performs admirably in a range of materials. Very fine lines can be achieved with shallow cutting depths. When cutting wood with this bit, start with a spindle speed of 3 and adjust as necessary.

      Bit care

      Heat is the biggest cause of bit edge degradation. Anything that can be done to reduce the build-up of heat on your bit will help them maintain a sharper edge for a longer time. 

      • Do not linger: It is easy to get side-tracked adjusting offsets in the UI with the bit plunged and the unit stationary. Always retract the bit when not actively cutting, even if you only plan on stopping for a few seconds. This prevents heat build-up and cutter edge deterioration.

      • Don't set spindle RPM higher than needed: The sound of a properly loaded bit will become music to your ears after you've used Origin for a while. A good rule of thumb is to set the spindle at the slowest speed that still produces a good cut experience and quality cuts. Excessive spindle RPM will rub, generating heat, burning or melting of the worksurface and bit edge deterioration.

      • Clean your bits: Resin, sap, and adhesives generate more friction if they are allowed to accumulate on your bit. In turn, this friction can accelerate edge degradation. Take a moment to clean your bits with a small brass brush, citrus cleaner and a rag.

      • Clean the collet: Material build-up inside a collet reduces the clamping effectiveness of the collet. This can result in a misaligned bit, introducing "runout" and reducing cut quality. Be sure to regularly inspect and clean the collet.

      Bit flute geometry:

      • Up Spiral: This is the standard bit geometry used with Origin. It draws chips up out of the cut panel and pulls Origin down against the surface. This creates a smooth and predictable user experience. This geometry can leave a little fuzz on the top edge of cuts in good ply but this fuzz is easily removed with a quick rough-up with fine grit sandpaper.)

      • Down Spiral: This geometry pushes chips into the cut, resulting in poorer chip and dust extraction. Down spiral bits also push Origin away from the cutting surface, resulting in a jerkier cutting experience. 

      • Compression Spiral: This geometry combines Up and Down cutting spirals to achieve clean cuts on the top and the bottom of the work surface. These bits are ideal for cutting material with delicate top and bottom surfaces (i.e. laminate plywood, melamine, etc.).

      • Straight Flute: This geometry is not conducive to good chip extraction. These bits are typically used on table routers where plunging into material is less common. Many straight flute bits are not capable of plunge cutting; we don't recommend using these bits with Origin. Straight cutters often include carbide inserts, making them suitable for grinding into custom profiles (round over bits, keyhole bits, dovetail bits, etc). 

      • Burr: Regularly used for cutting composite materials, burrs are ground with many small flutes resembling a file. 

      Flute length:

      • The length of the cutting flute represents the maximum depth a particular bit can cut. The longest cutter we ship with is the 1/4" cutter, with a  3/4" flute length. 

      • You will notice flute length and cutter diameter are related. The longer the flute length relative to the cutter diameter, the more flexible the cutter. A common rule of thumb many manufacturers use is to aim for a flute length that is three times the length of the cutter diameter. Flute lengths that exceed this ratio tend not to be as stable.

      Flute count:

      • 1 Flute: Great for chip extraction and slower feed speeds, good for acrylic/plastics and soft metals.  

      • 2 Flutes: A nice compromise for wood. Two flutes allow for a combination of good feed speeds and reasonable chip extraction.

      • 3+ Flutes: Cutters designed for maximum material removal

      Materials

      • High speed steel: (HSS for short) Hard, heat-resistant and durable steel alloys, commonly used in inexpensive bits.

      • Solid carbide: Stronger, harder, more resistant to heat and abrasion than HSS, carbide is a perfect material for bits. Keep in mind that they are also more brittle than HSS, so treat them more like a ceramic. Avoid sudden shock loads such as result from dropping them on a concrete floor.

      • Carbide insert: Carbide brazed onto a softer steel support and shank. 

      Coatings:

      • Coatings are used to reduce friction and protect against heat, improving the durability of a cutter. TiN (Titanium Nitride) and ZrN (Zirconium Nitride) are common examples.

      Bearing bits:

      • Origin does NOT support cutting with following cutters. Use them with your traditional hand or table router.