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Tapered Ball-Nose Carving tools (CM304, CM404) - 1/4 in. (0.250 in.) Shank

Overview

Tapered ball-nose end-mills are the most commonly used cutters for deep CNC carving in wood, plastic and metal. Their tapered profiles make them much stronger than equivalent straight-wall tools while providing more flute volume for efficient swarf removal in deep, single-pass machining operations.

Of all the tapered ball-nose carving bits on the market, only PreciseBits cutters are:

  • 100% measured / optically inspected to insure that EVERY tool meets, or exceeds, our published specifications
  • available with depth rings precisely positioned to ±0.0015 in. (0.038mm), virtually eliminating the need for resetting Z-axis zero between tool changes (with bits of same overall length)
  • made from premium grade submicrograin tungsten carbide (HRa 92, HRc 80)

Combining premium grade submicrograin tungsten-carbide, with guaranteed fidelity to industry leading specifications and our exclusive depth setting rings, produces tools uniquely designed for today's demanding CNC machining and CAD/CAM simulation environments. Combined with comprehensive customer support, our cutters have become the tools of choice for sign makers, model makers, artists and instrument builders around the world

Specifications

  • Geometry - 3 & 4 flute, tapered high-shear flutes, ball-nose tip, 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) shank
  • Length - 2.5in. (63.5mm) ±0.010in.
  • Tip diameter - nominal ±0.0005 in.
  • Taper angle - nominal ±0.10°
  • Runout (TIR) - max 0.0002 in.
  • Max. depth of cut - nominal ±0.100 in.
  • Depth ring position - 1.600 in. (40.64mm) ±0.0015 in (0.038mm)
  • Anticipated Life - depends on material being cut
  • Material - solid submicrograin carbide
  • Operating RPM - CNC certified operation 1k RPM to 40k RPM

Benefits

  • High-shear ball-nose tip cuts smooth 3D contours with reduced stepping, and minimal fuzzing
  • High flute volume supports high feed rates / chip loads
  • High aspect ratio for single pass deep-reach cutting
  • Optimized flute geometry and low TIR insures clean cutting, virtually eliminating sanding and fuzz removal (when used with low TIR spindles).

Applications

  • Dimensional signage
  • Precision 3D carving
  • 3D contouring and profiling
  • Cabinetry and furniture making
  • 3D millwork
  • Compatible with CarveWright and CompuCarve woodworking systems.

Application Data

  • Tool Type: Tapered Ball Nose
  • Shank Diameter = 0.250"
  • Half angle (side angle)
    • 0.0313in. (1/32in.) dia. tip: 6.2°
    • 0.0625in. (1/16in.) dia. tip: 5.3°
    • 0.1250in. (1/8in.) dia. tip: 3.6°
    • 0.2498in. (1/4in.) dia. tip: 0.006°
  • Tip radius
    • 0.0313in. (1/32in.) dia. tip: radius = 0.0156in.
    • 0.0625in. (1/16in.) dia. tip: radius = 0.0313in.
    • 0.1250in. (1/8in.) dia. tip: radius = 0.0625in.
    • 0.2498in. (1/4in.) dia. tip: radius = 0.1249in.
  • Stepdown (pass depth, depth per pass)
    • recommended - 1X tip dia.
    • maximum - 2X tip dia.
  • Stepover:
    • finishing pass (stepover, cleanup pass) = 0.08 X tip diameter (8%)
    • roughing pass (clearance stepover) = 0.40 X tip diameter (40%)
  • Maximum Depth of Cut (DOC) = 1.00"
  • Spindle RPM (SPEED) = 5 KRPM to 60 KRPM (optimum speed)
  • Feedrate (IPM) = Depends on the material being cut. Do the Sweetspot Test before setting this parameter
    (go to: http://www.precisebits.com/tutorials/calibrating_feeds_n_speeds.htm).
  • Plunge rate = depends on speed (RPM)

Materials

  • High Density Urethane (HDU)
  • Hardwood - walnut, redwood, maple, rosewood, ebony, epe ...
  • Plastic - PVC, HDP, MDP, acrylic, polycarbonate ...
  • Metal - zinc, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, silver, gold...

Tutorials


MADE IN USA
Carbide Tapered-stub carving and engraving tools for softwoods, hardwoods, non-ferrous metals and plastics
Product Compare (0)
Tip Diameter MaxDiameter LOC Flutes Draft Angle Coating Shank OAL Depth Rings Reviews Part Number Price
0.0295" (0.75mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 3 6.2° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM304-0295-100B

$43.95
0.0313" (0.79mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 3 6.2° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM304-0313-100B

$43.95
0.0313" (0.79mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 3 6.3° ZrN 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM304-0313-100BC

$49.25
0.0335" (0.85mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 3 6.2° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM304-0335-100B

$43.95
0.0354" (0.90mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 3 6.1° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM304-0354-100B

$43.95
0.0625" (1.59mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 5.3° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-0625-100B

$36.68
0.0625" (1.59mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 5.3° ZrN 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-0625-100BC

$41.98
0.1250" (3.18mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 3.6° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-1250-100B

$36.68
0.1250" (3.18mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 3.6° ZrN 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-1250-100BC

$41.98
0.2500" (6.35mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 0.006° 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-2500-100B

$36.68
0.2500" (6.35mm) 0.2500" (6.35mm) 1.00" (25.40mm) 4 0.006° ZrN 1/4" 2.50" (63.5mm) Available CM404-2500-100BC

$41.98