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Mastering CNC milling can be an exciting but at the same time challenging process, especially when it comes to choosing the right tool. One of the most important decisions is the selection of suitable end mills. When there are many options, it’s easy to get lost.
In this article, we will tell you about six types of end mills that will help a beginner in machine operation. We will look at tools that are suitable for working with wood, plywood, soft metals and plastics. If the Wattsan CNC milling machine is your first machine, we recommend starting with wood because of its accessibility and ease of processing.
End mills for wood and plywood
For beginners working with wood and plywood, the following types of end mills are recommended:
- Spiral end mills with 1, 2 or 3 grooves
- Conical end mills with spherical end for engraving and 3D contouring
These tools allow you to make clean and precise cuts and can be used for both cutting and detailed engraving.
To demonstrate their capabilities, we used the Wattsan 6090 Mini, a compact CNC milling machine suitable for working with a wide range of materials, including plastic, paronite, acrylic, MDF, wood, plywood, and soft metals such as aluminum. Despite its small size, the machine is equipped with a powerful 2.2 kW spindle and has a rotational speed of up to 24,000 revolutions per minute. The 175 kg cast iron frame and ball screw drives on all axes ensure stability and precision.
End mills for soft metals
CNC milling machines can effectively process soft metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and brass, as long as the right tools are used. For processing these materials, 3-flute carbide end mills, specially designed for soft metals, are preferred.
The key features of these tools include:
- Special coatings that can withstand high temperatures
- Polished grooves for efficient chip removal
- Precise sharpening to ensure clean cutting edges
These characteristics help to prevent overheating of the material and ensure high-quality surface treatment.
End mills for plastics
Plastics, especially acrylics, require careful handling to avoid melting and deformation. The best tools for processing plastics are:
- Single or 2-flute spiral end mills operating at low spindle speeds
- O-flute end mills for smooth cutting and efficient chip removal
- Engraving bits (V-shaped nozzles with a tilt angle of 60° or 30°)
- Spring-loaded diamond drag bits for precise engraving on delicate surfaces
Proper tool selection and speed adjustment are necessary to maintain the integrity of the material and obtain clean cuts.
Choosing the right tool: final thoughts
The correct end mill depends on the material you are working with. Although wood is a great starting point, a wide range of tools provides more flexibility and reduces downtime in the event of a tool breakdown.
As you gain experience, expanding your toolkit to include specialized sections, you will be able to confidently and accurately complete a wider range of projects.
