HQMaster Spiral Router Bits Down Cut 1/4 inch Shank Solid Carbide Nano Blue Coated Spiral Downcut CNC Bits End Mill for Wood Cut Carving Engraver (1/8 Cutting Diameter)

Im still kind of a newbie in the CNC Router arena, and while learning how to use the software thats needed to work with these machines, I am gradually building up my arsenal of bits so I can effectively use the machine. One thing I look for is bits that are made of solid carbide. They just keep their sharpness longer than high speed steel bits, so they run cooler and smoother longer. I also try to get bits that have a coating over the cutting area of the bits, as this also contribute to longer life and smoother cutting. I used this HQMaster 1/4 inch shank 1/8 inch cutting Ball Nose End Mill today as I was experimenting with 3-D carving. I created a simple half-torus model that I intended to carve, but was running into problems with the machine plunging deep into the wood before starting to carve the shape. It was supposed to start at the surface, but started probably 10 or 15 mm BELOW the surface instead. I never did figure out why it was doing this, and after a long period of trying I have up for the time being. BUT...I was amazed that this HGMaster bit still cut smoothly and evenly despite the fact that it was being forced to carve from a much deeper depth than it was supposed to. I let the program run a few minutes at this wrong depth before I shut it down, and observed the edges of the cuts - they were perfect, really nice and clean. Thats a great testament to the quality of this bit. Most bits can cut well when the machine isnt trying to power through a cut thats outside of its design parameters, but it takes a special one to be able to deal with it and do a good job anyway. Recommended!

The HQMaster 1/8 inch Ball Nose End Mill will be used to make a decorative edge on jewelry boxes. The bit was tested in Cherry wood and produced a perfect clean cut.

Works great

Nice carbide router bit, leaves a great finish on all wood types. Stays sharp and cuts very well.

TLDR: Duller than a bus trip to Branson. I Picked this downward-cutting end mill for some prototype packaging I wanted to develop using standard EVA foam. This endmill cut beautifully at 10K RPM for about ten pieces and then quickly began to dull. The CNC would continue to push the cutter through the foam, but the material would just flex and compress until the cutter passed leaving an inconsistent and wavy finish. This must be the lowest quality carbide they could source. I had to double-check the listing to ensure I didnt buy an HSS end mill by mistake. I am going to try to cut some aluminum or other harder material just to see if the other reviews for this product are fake. Id be shocked if it even cuts a chip given how poorly it wore doing something as simple as cutting foam.

Ive been using this bit in my wooden sign making business and so far it works great and has remained sharp. Ive used it for 3d roughing passes in hardwood and in other applications where a ballnose bit is useful. So far, I havent noticed much difference in the quality of cuts from my more expensive bits. Its amazing to me that you can get quality tooling these days at this price point. These bits would make a great go to bit for production without having to stop to resharpen tooling. I would definitely recommend, and will order more!

This is a nice quality router bit. It is very sharp and works as its supposed to. It is packaged very nicely. It comes in the standard router bit square plastic case. The great thing here is that the case is labeled very clearly, so you dont have to squint (or get a magnifying glass) to read the side of the shank. This is very useful as you are juggling different bits and needing to match the right bits to the right tool paths. I use these bits on my CNC to carve designs into soft woods. So far, so good, the bit is still in once piece. I am very happy with the performance and the results of this bit.

These inexpensive router bits are great. They cut well for my needs. Im not a professional that uses it everyday but for my occasional use it sharp and cuts clean. The ball upcut works great with my plunge router. Nice to be able to scribe lines in wood beauty panels. Quarter of the cost of premium bits.

This is a great end mill for doing 3d cutting. Makes nice clean cuts leaving a nice finish. The price makes this even a better value. Time will tell but so far this has been my goto bit for 3d cuts. Comes packaged well and arrived quickly. I will buy more of these bits

Like clamps, you can never heave enough router bits. Well, that is my take. And like they last forever, right? This bit is well made, good fit and finish. So far it cuts as it should, cuts very nicely. I cant say how it will last, that will take time and use, but Ill update this if anything changes. Comes in a nice plastic storage tubes, I like these tubes. And the end of the tube holes the bit nice and tight. I also REALLY like that they put a label on the tube, with the size, that is so nice. Ive reviewed quite a few router bits and its rare foe them to have any label on the tube, so hats off to this company. Great bit, great price, would recommend.