Yes, @ColdCoffee is right, smaller bits are easier to break - especially in wood with very different grain densities as it cuts across the grain - but for more homogeneous wood, plastics and aluminum, you can successfully use small end mills. I use end mills as small as 0.0090" (occasionally), 0.0120" and 0.0150" (more often) for detail work. Mostly, I am using them in lieu of a laser engraver, since in a lot of woods, the engraving with a bit that small almost looks like it was done with a laser.

Thanks for sharing some of your settings, i’ll definitely try those out. Breaking the endmill is something I worry about but if I start off with conservative settings, hopefully I’ll be ok.

You can add a tool to your tool library, either by using the Carbide Create interface, or by editing the .CSV file behind the Carbide Create interface.

Wow, I had know idea you can get endmills that small. I hope to eventually do fine detail work like that so its great to know that’s an option.

Now that I am thinking about it, soft woods would probably be a bad choice for really small bits (less than 0.0315 - 1/32"). I think you should be able to go down to 0.0315" (1/32) without too much trouble though. You just have to use the feeds and speeds recommended for the bit and material you are cutting.

… and just prepare yourself, you are going to break bits especially the small ones. My last 1/32 snapped not because of speeds/feeds but rather a PVC strand wrapped around the bit. I only use 1/32 when I am truly stuck and have no other alternative.

Hi All, I’ve had my pro xl for a few months now and im still trying to get a feel for my machine. I’ve been playing around with a few design ideas in Carbide Create and the 1/32 endmill is giving me the best results in the preview for some of the more delicate parts of the design. Unless I’m mistaken, i don’t think there’s a 1/32 profile for Shapeoko in CC. Could i use the 1/32 profile from the Nomad, or would that likely lead to a broken endmill? Would i be better off setting up a custom tool profile? I’m not exactly sure what ill be using as stock yet, but something in the soft wood family for sure. Thanks!