Tools for Musical Instrument Makers
The past 10 years has seen a significant increase in the number of luthiers who have applied CNC technology to the more mundane tasks involved in making top-of-the-line musical instruments. These pioneers have recognized that the true magic of their art lies in the design, assembly, finishing and tuning of their creations. As new materials, techniques and processes bring increased capabilities to the luthiers craft, we expect to see a more widespread acceptance of computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in all aspects of musical instrument fabrication.
What are depth rings?
What are depth rings and what tools can have them?
Depth setting rings are plastic collars that are securely pressed onto the 1/8 in. shank of a drill bit, end-mill, router bit, or similar rotary cutter. There is no charge to add the rings, but the user is cautioned to make sure that their equipment is compatible with their use.
Most PreciseBitss 1/8 in. shank bits are available with or without depth setting rings. Bits that can't have rings are:
- End-mills smaller than 0.005" (0.127mm)
- Shanks longer than 1.50" OAL
- Cutting depths or necks longer than 0.50"
- SRD kerf cutters (MM5D8)
How do they work and why would I want them?
The shank side of the ring (top side in the picture to the right) is accurately positioned (d ±0.004 in.) relative to the tip of the tool. If the shank-side of the ring is pressed against the collet when the tool is loaded, the tip of the bit will be a known distance (d) from the face of the collet. Knowing this distance, the programmer can plunge the tool, confident that the depth of cut will be as expected and will remain the same no matter how many times the tool is changed. If all of the tools in the programmer's magazine have been fitted with depth setting rings, an automatic tool changer can load and unload tools with the tip of each one the same distance from the face of the collet.
This is especially helpful with micro-tools where "touching-off" on some reference surface to calibrate the tool height can damage or break the tip of the tool. Rings also find widespread use in inlay pocket cutting where relatively large diameter cutters are used to "hog out" basic shapes, followed by much smaller diameter finishing bits that clean up the edges, sharpen the corners and add fine detail to the finished part.
LPKF and T-Tech
The most common value for d is 0.800 in. (industry standard). However, with the advent of mechanically etching printed circuit boards in the mid 1970s, a new standard was implemented for the special purpose tools developed for this application.
Today, only machines made by LPKF and T-Tech adhere to this special standard. Systems from AccurateCNC, MITS, Sun and EverPrecision are compatible with the original industry standard depth of 0.800 in.
3-flute end-mills sized and optimized for machining fret-slots, inlay components and pockets in most materials commonly used in pool cues, cabinetry, fingerboards and headstocks. Designed for machining hardwoods, reconstituted minerals and composites.
3-flute miniature and micro end-mills that feature high aspect-ratio (depth-of-cut to diameter) flute design. The tip-styles feature a high axial-rake enhanced with revisions to the cutting edges and flute profile. These changes result in bits with improved cutting properties in a wider range of materials
3-flute end-mills optimized for high-speed cutting of natural mother-of-pearl and abalone. Superior bit life and fracture-free edges with no chipping or flaking are the result of a cutter geometry that is precisely tuned to the machining properties of natural shell products and dense, close-grained hardwoods.
3-flute end-mills with radiused flute tips designed for planing and radiusing fingerboards to a fine finish. The tool geometry is optimized for cutting fingerboards before and after they have been inlaid with shell, plastic, composite or metal inlay components.
2-flute miniature and micro end-mills that feature a high axial rake plunging tip style enhanced with revisions to the cutting edges and flute profile. These changes result in bits with improved cutting properties in a wider range of materials
The only 2-flute member of the UltraBit family, these 0.0313" (0.8mm) bits have been tuned for cutting antler, horn and tusk. The flute capacity has been increased to accommodate a wide range of moisture/oil content. The diameter is ground to within +/-0.0005" (0.0127mm) insuring zero-glue-line inlay cutting.
PreciseBits thin-web (0.005", 0.127mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine-line engraving with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, scrimshaw, and engraving wood, thermoplastics and non-ferrous metals.
PreciseBits medium-web (0.012", 0.31mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine line machining with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, tapered contour cutting. An ideal tool for pre-scoring fret slots to eliminate chipping and splintering and make fret-wire insertion easier.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping (contour cutting) the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Extended-reach, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills have a reduced diameter neck allowing very deep, multi-pass machining. They are optimized for shaping the very thick sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and musical instruments. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
3-flute end-mills optimized for machining inlay components and pockets in most materials commonly used in pool cues, cabinetry, fingerboards and headstocks. Designed for machining hardwoods, reconstituted minerals and composites.
3-flute end-mills optimized for high-speed cutting of natural mother-of-pearl and abalone. Superior bit life and fracture-free edges with no chipping or flaking are the result of a cutter geometry that is precisely tuned to the machining properties of natural shell products and dense, close-grained hardwoods.
PreciseBits medium-web (0.012", 0.31mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine line machining with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, tapered contour cutting.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut ball-nose end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping (contour cutting) the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
Extended-reach, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills have a reduced diameter neck allowing very deep, multi-pass machining. They are optimized for shaping the very thick sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and musical instruments. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
2-flute ball-nose end-mills that are optimized for carving and shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads in softwoods, hadwoods, thermo-plastics and aluminum.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut ball-nose end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping (contour cutting) the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
Extended-reach, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills have a reduced diameter neck allowing very deep, multi-pass machining. They are optimized for shaping the very thick sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and musical instruments. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
2-flute ball-nose end-mills that are optimized for carving and shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads in softwoods, hadwoods, thermo-plastics and aluminum.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping (contour cutting) the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/2 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut fish-tail (square cut) end-mills optimized for shaping the sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The flute geometry has been tuned to insure smooth cutting and low deflection under high chip loads.
Deep cutting, 1/4 inch shank upcut bull-nose (corner radius) end-mills optimized for planing the surface of sheet goods commonly used in the manufacture of dimensional signage, furniture and cabinetry. The tip geometry has been tuned to provide a smooth, flat surface while cutting at higher chip loads than a ball-nose bit.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Unlike conventional countersinks, which are designed solely for plunge cutting, the EM4E8 family of Scoring/Engraving tools can also be used for sign carving, beveling, scoring and engraving.
2-flute downcut end-mills feature high-rake flute geometries optimized for through-cutting sheet goods. These tools are commonly used for when lifting, top surface splintering and fraying must be avoided
2-flute downcut end-mills feature high-rake flute geometries optimized for machining small details in softwoods and plywood. These tools are commonly used for through-machining when top surface splintering and fraying must be avoided.
2-flute miniature and micro end-mills that feature a high axial rake plunging tip style enhanced with revisions to the cutting edges and flute profile. These changes result in bits with improved cutting properties in a wider range of materials
3-flute end-mills optimized for machining fret-slots, inlay components and pockets in most materials commonly used in pool cues, cabinetry, fingerboards and headstocks. Designed for machining hardwoods, reconstituted minerals and composites.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Unlike conventional countersinks, which are designed solely for plunge cutting, the EM4E8 family of Scoring/Engraving tools can also be used for sign carving, beveling, scoring and engraving.
The "O" flute geometry is one of the most efficient flute designs for cutting thermoplastics. With a high rake-angle and relatively low helix, O-flute cutters manage to cut acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, PVC and a host of other sheet polymers at very high chiploads without raising a burr or fracturing the edges of the kerf.
Optimized for high-speed cutting of thermoplastics, the very high rake angle and large flute volume make this the perfect cutter for virtually all thermoplastics, even polycarbonate (Lexan®). These tools are particularly useful for cutting plastics with low melting temperatureswhen using CNC routers with limited RPM and/or feed rate controls.
4-flute tools made for cutting brass, sterling silver, steel and stainless steel. They are characterized by low aspect ratio flute geometries insuring low deflection and long bit life at relatively high feed-rates.
2-flute stub end-mills specifically designed for cutting non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, silver and gold. They are characterized by low aspect ratio flute geometries insuring low deflection and long bit life at relatively high feed-rates.
3-flute end-mills optimized for machining fret-slots, inlay components and pockets in most materials commonly used in pool cues, cabinetry, fingerboards and headstocks. Designed for machining hardwoods, reconstituted minerals and composites.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Unlike conventional countersinks, which are designed solely for plunge cutting, the EM4E8 family of Scoring/Engraving tools can also be used for sign carving, beveling, scoring and engraving.
PreciseBits thin-web (0.005", 0.127mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine-line engraving with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, scrimshaw, and engraving wood, thermoplastics and non-ferrous metals.
3-flute and 4-flute tapered ball-nose ball-nose carving tools are designed for deep machining in large format dimensional signage as well as very detailed carving of architectural components and other decorative items. These tools are optimized for cutting hardwoods, phenolic composites, unfired ceramics and aluminum.
2-flute miniature and micro end-mills that feature a high axial rake plunging tip style enhanced with revisions to the cutting edges and flute profile. These changes result in bits with improved cutting properties in a wider range of materials
2-flute miniature and micro end-mills that feature a high axial rake plunging tip style enhanced with revisions to the cutting edges and flute profile. These changes result in bits with improved cutting properties in a wider range of materials
3-flute end-mills optimized for machining fret-slots, inlay components and pockets in most materials commonly used in pool cues, cabinetry, fingerboards and headstocks. Designed for machining hardwoods, reconstituted minerals and composites.
2-flute carbide drill bits designed and optimized for the fabrication of printed circuit boards on a wide variety of substrates. Decades of design improvements has expanded their application range to hard and soft woods, metals, glass and carbon-fiber composites and reconstituted minerals.
Unlike conventional countersinks, which are designed solely for plunge cutting, the EM4E8 family of Scoring/Engraving tools can also be used for sign carving, beveling, scoring and engraving.
PreciseBits medium-web (0.012", 0.31mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine line machining with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, tapered contour cutting.
Tempered Gold phenolic backing material is the perfect fixturing substrate for mounting delicate materials to be machined for inlay components. With a high degree of chemical resistance and excellent adhesion to common glues and adhesives (including hide glue and cyanoacrylates), Gold phenolic is compatible with the mounting requirements of virtually every material used by luthiers, jewelers, and pool cuemakers.
Designed by a corrosion chemist to:
· dissolve varnish and gummy deposits in the spindle bore
· loosen rust
· inhibit corrosion
in spindle bores and on collets and toolholders.
An effective solution for removing fuzz, fray, hair and splinters from fretboards and headstocks in wood, composites and plastics. FuzzBrush and FuzzBrush Max are lightweight and comfortable to use.
An innovative modular rail system for protecting, displaying and transporting precision cutting tools. Accommodates shank sizes from 3.0mm to 1/2 in.
The 3 station multi-rail mounting plate is designed to provide a secure platform for wall and cabinet mounting of SecureBits tool storage rails. Fabricated from corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel, the mounting plate can be mounted directly to a wall or hung on inch-format pegboard.