Hello all, What does everybody use to store and organize your cnc bits. I don’t like the idea for an arrangement in a drawer all loose. Also, how do you label the as to options upcut, downcut tbn, o-flute etc.
As I acquire more and more bits I need some way to organize them.
Depends on what you mill. I mill Aluminium control boxes (bits range from 0.6mm to 1/4. There can be 5 mill mits per project and many more changes depending on work holding and project). And woodworking (vcarve, 1/8th and 1/4) in the main.
I keep mine in the little boxes they came in; having the vendor reference is useful.
I have a draw each for flat end mills, ball and vcarve (the draws are shallow paper filing drawers). Then a draw with odd ones. Aside from the odd ones most bits have almost the same box dimensions, so I have little trays with dividers that hold about 6 bits each.
The trays holds bits that are similar or identical. Identical ones tend to be fine bits: 1mm or less where i need some insurance spares as they are more prone to breaking.
I keep single flute Al/plastics in their own tray.
I have a larger tray (shallow chocolate box lid) i use for a project (the thing i’m working on at that moment) where i have the bits and collettes: bit shanks, for me, range from 1/8", 4mm to 1/4"
I place a bit of blue tape on WIP bit boxes to distiguish them from new bits. Worn bits get thrown or the shanks kept for x,y tool bit setting.
I may have two each 1/4 and 1/8th flat end mills in WIP. One for MDF and other nasty composite materials and one sharper, looked after.
I have a small number of Al bits soaking in lye to remove Aluminum, but not so much now as i find Aviation Aluminium doesnt need it.
A workflow will come to you. But having bits near your CNC will collect all sorts of dust and debris. So my bit store is not near my cnc, they are near my computer, where i can reference them during CAM design. So I only keep project bits near me at the mill.
Good luck and enjoy.
2 Likes
I made a foam cutout in a draw for my bits. Any bit that came in a box or fits in a box I save in a box. I bought boxes so I have some spares and for those that didn’t come with a box. I print out a label and put that on the box if it’s not the original box. I made some cutouts with an odd shape for those bits that don’t fit in a box.
2 Likes
Badger, that is really nice. I am now both jealous and inspired. Time to cut some kaizon.
I make mine out of scrap. Most are a standard size to fit the cases in either direction with a few different sized to fill out the drawer. And if they are intended for bits, they have a place for a label.
Pony
1 Like
That looks great. Where did you find the boxes and what type of foam.
Thank you for the advice
Thanks.
I got the boxes here Grip Paks - Cleartec Packaging and the foam here 4 Pcs Cuttable Polyurethane Foam
4 Likes
Much appreciated. It gives me a starting point
I designed a 3D-printed block with holes that works for me, with the number of slots to hold a good amount of “working” bits. Whereas I use a couple more containers for short and long term storage of the remaining bits.
Here’s the 3D model and SVG if anyone is interested:
CNC_Bit_Collet_Holder_v3-Body.stl (320.8 KB)
Photos:
1 Like
I milled a bit holder out of 3/4" MDF and then used a label printer to put the numbers next to the bit in the tray. I would have lasered the numbers, but wanted the flexibility to change the arrangement if I got a new bit. The sharp 30 degree bits are laying horizontal.
4 Likes
do The bit numbers correspond to the tool database bit # or to the tool database description, eg #27 TBN 1/4 inch xxx brand
They correspond the the tool database #'s and description in Vcrave Pro. Then I used a wireless keyboard (for speed) on the Masso and entered the same tool number and description on the Masso controller. Makes tool changing very easy and fast. I have a tool setter, so I’m able to run all the tools in one gcode file from Vcarve. So far, I’m really enjoying the setup. Hope this helps.
1 Like
This holder has worked out very well for my needs. I don’t really use more than a half-dozen types of bits. This holder holds all my ‘in-use’ bits, while I have new copies of all of them somewhat disorganized in another drawer.
This holder normally sits on top of my controller housing, however, that’s currently in a state of being rebuilt into a new enclosure. The holder is made from corian, with the bit container caps being press-fit into the corian. Then the translucent sleeves easily pull off while leaving the caps securly in place. The bottom of the holder has 8 small magnets that secure it to the top of the controller enclosure.
2 Likes
@Machinist Side question: i see you have a screw thread/ rail dust guard made of plywood. How have you attached it?
Hey @AndyP, they are actually pieces of vinyl flooring.
They sit on the 2 flat extrusion pieces and are cut to length to fit in between the outer joining plates. They just sort of lean into place. Worked out quite well and really contains the mess.
Speaking of messes, forgive mine. I’m currently in the middle of rebuilding my controller into a new enclosure, so things are pretty taken apart at the moment.
2 Likes