Tools for Custom Pool Cue Fabrication and Repair
Since 1998, Think & Tinker / PreciseBits has been involved in the development of tools optimized for cutting the wide range of materials commonly used by the makers of pool cues and billiard tables. As a result of the participation of some of the top American cuemakers in the design / testing process, we now offer the highest performance micro and mini cutters currently available to cuemakers and cue repair technicians.
PreciseBits end-mills have been optimized for cutting hardwoods, reconstituted stone, and stabilized wood products. The flute geometry allows relatively high feed rates through a variety of materials with different densities, moisture content, and grain structures.
Our 2-flute stub end-mills were designed specifically for cutting non-ferrous metals like copper, silver and gold. The 4-flute tools are 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. The precise radial relief reduces burr formation and chattering resulting in smoother, more uniform cutting.
PreciseBit thin-web (0.005", 0.127mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine line machining with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, scrimshaw, and engraving.
Our 6-flute PreciseBIT contour routers have been optimized for contour-cutting of glass-filled engineering composites (e.g. FR-4 fiberglass) and reconstituted stone products with high (>70%) mineral content. These tools boast very high cutting surface areas for processing abrasive materials that tend to chip during machining.
Like all of our cutters, PreciseBIT solid carbide drills are made using the finest grade Mitsubishi carbide. Sizes ranging from 0.008 in. (0.2mm) to 0.250 in. (6.35mm) are available from stock. Diameters down to 0.001 in. (25 micron) are available upon request.
Over the years, we have found that certain materials place extraordinary demands on tool geometry. This is especially true of shell, ivory, ebony and the rosewood family of hardwoods. Their moisture content, oiliness, density and abrasiveness require that flute-shape, flute-volume, and helix angle be precisely tuned to achieve accurate cutting and acceptable tool life.
The only 2-flute member of the UltraBit family, these 0.0313" (0.8mm) bits have been tuned for cutting ivory, 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. The best all-around 1/32" cutter that we make, this bit has become the general-purpose tool of choice for many cuemakers and luthiers for cutting rosewoods and other "gummy" materials.
The 0.0313" (0.8mm) shell cutter features a 3-flute design with a light chip-breaker finish-grind that effectively, and accurately cuts away both natural and laminated shell. A member of the UltraBit family, the shell cutter diameter is ground to within +/-0.0005" (0.0127mm) insuring zero-glue-line inlay cutting and minimum material wastage.
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.
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. The composition of the phenolic also acts to cool the tip of the drills and end-mills, extending tool life and eliminating thermal breakdown of the fixturing adhesive.
An effective solution for removing fuzz, fray, hair and splinters from 3D carvings and engravings in wood, composites and plastics. FuzzBrush is lightweight and comfortable to use.