Bit Selection Guide
CNC Bit Selection Guide
Not sure which CNC bit to choose? This quick guide helps match common CNC jobs with the Cyclone Bits tooling designed for that type of cut.
These recommendations are starting points. Always consider your CNC machine, spindle, material, workholding, and desired finish before running a job.
Quick Selection Guide
Signs & Lettering
For carved signs, lettering, chamfers, and decorative detail work.
Recommended Bits:
Plywood & Sheet Goods
For cabinet parts, profile cuts, signs, and sheet material projects.
Recommended Bits:
Hardwood & MDF
For clean pockets, profiles, engraving prep, and general CNC routing.
Recommended Bits:
- Down-Cut End Mills
- Up-Cut End Mills
- Compression End Mill
- V-Bits
Plastics & Acrylic
For cleaner chip evacuation and smoother cuts in plastic materials.
Recommended Bits:
3D Carving
For relief carving, fine detail, rounded surfaces, and finishing passes.
Recommended Bits:
Roughing & Material Removal
For removing material quickly before a finishing pass.
Recommended Bits:
- 1/4" Carbide Roughing End Mill
- Up-Cut End Mills
Surfacing & Flattening
For flattening spoilboards, surfacing stock, and cleaning up wide faces.
Recommended Bits:
Better Tool Holding
For improved grip, reduced runout, and more consistent cutting performance.
Recommended Collets:
Bit Type Basics
Compression Bits
Compression bits combine up-cut and down-cut geometry to help reduce tearout on both the top and bottom surfaces of sheet goods. They are especially useful for plywood and laminated materials.
Down-Cut Bits
Down-cut bits push chips downward and help leave a cleaner top edge. They are a good choice for shallow profiles, pockets, and projects where top-surface finish matters.
Up-Cut Bits
Up-cut bits pull chips upward for better chip evacuation. They are useful for deeper cuts, pockets, and jobs where clearing chips efficiently is important.
O-Flute Bits
O-flute bits are commonly used for plastics and acrylic because they help create cleaner chips and reduce melting when paired with proper feeds and speeds.
V-Bits
V-bits are used for sign carving, engraving, chamfering, and decorative details. Smaller angles create finer detail, while wider angles are useful for bold lettering and chamfers.
Tapered Ball Nose Bits
Tapered ball nose bits are designed for 3D carving and fine detail work. The tapered body adds strength while the small tip helps create smooth contours and details.
Surfacing Bits
Surfacing bits are used for flattening spoilboards, leveling slabs, and cleaning up broad surfaces.
Precision Collets
Precision collets help hold the tool securely and accurately. A worn, dirty, or incorrect collet can contribute to chatter, poor finishes, tool slip, and broken bits.
Still Not Sure?
Start with the material and type of cut. For clean top edges, consider a down-cut bit. For plywood, consider a compression bit. For plastics, start with an O-flute. For signs and lettering, choose a V-bit. For 3D carving, use a tapered ball nose.
You can also review the starting parameters listed on each product page and download our available tool libraries for supported CAD/CAM software.