Category: cnctooling

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Belin Router Bits (Replacement Guide)

Single O Flute Router Bits

Belin router bits have been around for as long as I can remember. Countless CNC operators have trusted them and used them to complete projects all over the world. Sadly, they discontinued the line. The great news is that there are replacements, so you don’t have to skip a beat.

In all honesty, there isn’t a 1 to 1 crossover from any brand to another. The tools can very similar and even look the same but the makeup of the tool can be different. So, I put together a list of tools where the dimensions are the same but the tools have been proven to work well in the allotted materials. This being said, you may have to tweak the feeds/speeds slightly and I am happy to walk you through the feed rate, spindle speed, depth of cut per pass, direction, etc. to make these not only work as well as the Belin tools did but more than likely, better.

Single O Flute Upcut (Plastic & Wood)

Single O flute upcut bits for plastic and wood are great tools to have in your arsenal. They are my personal favorite tool to cut Acrylic along with some other plastics. If you were like me, the Belin 13317, Belin 13476, & Belin 13635 were must-haves. HERE are the Belin 13000 series equivalents that LMT switched to but look below to see my recommendations.

LMT Belin Router BitsReplacements (Same Dimensions)
13159 63-101
13317XO2010
13317A63-104
13317B63-106
13476XO2011
13476AXO2011-1
13476B63-111
13635XO2012
13635A63-116
13635B63-117
13635CXO2012-L
13952XO2013
13952A63-121
1312763-125
13127A63-126

Single O Flute Downcut (Plastic & Wood)

Single O flute downcut bits for plastic and wood are great when material likes to lift or the top edge is fraying. They are my personal favorite tool for thin material that won’t stay put. HERE are the Belin 12000 series equivalents that LMT switched to but look below to see my recommendations.

LMT Belin Router BitsReplacements (Same Dimensions)
1231762-105
12476XO2911
12635XO2912

Single O Flute Upcut (Aluminum & ACM)

Single O flute upcut bits for aluminum and ACM are tried and true. They are my go-to tools to cut aluminum, especially 3003 grade, along with any brand of ACM, like “Dibond”. If you were like me, the Belin 33317, Belin 33476, & Belin 33635 were great back in the day. HERE are the Belin 33000 series equivalents that LMT switched to but look below to see my recommendations.

LMT Belin Router BitsReplacements (Same Dimensions)
33317XVO2230
33317AXVO2230-1
33476XVO2231
33476AXVO2231-1
33476B63-311
33635XVO2232
33635A63-316
33952XVO2233
3312763-325

Single O Flute Downcut (Aluminum & ACM)

Single O flute downcut bits for aluminum and ACM are great when material likes to lift or the top edge is printed on. These will prevent print fraying and pair well with thin material that won’t stay put. HERE are the Belin 22000 series equivalents that LMT switched to but look below to see my recommendations.

LMT Belin Router BitsReplacements (Same Dimensions)
22317XVO2930
2247662-310
22635XVO2932

Hopefully this guide helps you find the exact match to the Belin single o flute router bit that you have come accustomed to using. I have used these myself and they work great. We also have other options that can work in place of the Belin router bits that can improve quality and increase feed rates. Feel free to reach out anytime for advice or recommendations.

CNC Tooling Shop Discount
Use Coupon Code: FIRST15 for 15% Off your first order

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

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Accessory Spotlight: CNC Sanding Attachment

CNC Sanding Attachment

Have you ever pulled parts off your CNC router and had the thought “I wish I could sand these before I pull them off the table”? Well, now it’s an option. The CNC Orbital Sanding Attachment fits up into a standard collet and can be used to sand the top surface of your material.

Sizes

The CNC routing sander attachments come in 3 sizes: 4″, 5″, and 6″ and have a velcro face to attached sanding paper. Each unit will come with (10) 80 grit and (10) 120 grit discs. Other grit discs are available.

Part NumberSize
612994″
613355″
613366″

Spindle Safety

These sanding attachments are dynamically balanced and non-random to ensure smooth operation and reduce vibration during use. They are rated for up to 8,000 RPM. It operates in a fixed, predictable motion and should not be used to flatten uneven surfaces, the surface must already be flat before sanding.

What makes these safe in a CNC router’s spindle is the bearing mechanism that is built into the shaft. It has bearings, a spring, and a locking pin that make this all possible.

When to use?

These sanders are not made to flatten an uneven surface, they are made to sand even surfaces. Included in each kit are two springs. The harder spring is for completely flat surfaces whereas the soft spring is used for rougher but still even surfaces.

This is a great tool to have in the wood industry. It eliminates much of the manual sanding to remove tool marks, saving time while improving surface prep.

SANDPAPER GRITS

Knowing which grit sandpaper to use depends on the type of job and what step in the process you are in. The lower the grit numbers, the coarser the disc will be, and the higher the grit, the finer it will be.

  • 80 grit: Coarse, Heavy material removal. Used for stripping paint, smoothing rough wood. Great for initial sanding of very rough surfaces. Applications: Wood Slabs, Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Paint, Varnish, Primer, Plastic & Rubber.
  • 120 grit: Medium, Smooths surfaces after 80 grit. Good for prepping wood before finer sanding. Often used before priming or staining. Applications: Wood Slabs, Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Paint, Varnish, Primer, Plastic & Rubber.
  • 150 grit: Medium Fine, Refines the surface after 120 grit. Used for light smoothing and general sanding before finishing. Applications: Wood Slabs, Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Paint, Varnish, Primer, Plastic & Rubber.
  • 180 grit: Fine. Prepares wood for final finishing. Removes small scratches left by 150 grit. Good for sanding before applying stain or primer. Applications: Wood Slabs, Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Paint, Varnish, Primer, Plastic, Rubber & Solid Surface.
  • 220 grit: Extra Fine. Final sanding before finishing. Also used between coats of finish like polyurethane or paint for a smooth, professional result. Applications: Wood Slabs, Wood, Metal, Fiberglass, Paint, Varnish, Primer, Plastic, Rubber & Solid Surface.

Hopefully this not only answered your questions about sanding with your CNC router but also got you excited to try one. Feel free to reach out anytime for advice or recommendations. I have personally used this in our shop and have been quite impressed by the results.

CNC Tooling Shop Discount
Use Coupon Code: FIRST15 for 15% Off Router Bits

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

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CNC Routing – Aluminum Composite Material (ACM)

CNC-Routing-ACM-Material

Aluminum composite material is often cut out on a CNC router. The versatility of this material is what makes it so popular. From outdoor signage and constructing walls to channel letter backing, the possibilities are endless. Compared to single-layer aluminum plate, ACM is lighter and more affordable while still offering durability and rigidity. For those looking to learn how to cut this material, follow along.

For this experiment, we set out to create the backing of a box for a sign. This entailed cutting out the shape of the box, v-grooving the sections that needed to be bent to shape, and drilling holes for attaching the face of the sign.

Cutting Through

We cut through 3mm ACM with an X-Edge 1/4″ single o flute upcut bit (XVO2232). This bit does very well on both aluminum and ACM. We found that cutting in climb direction produced the best finish. Our feed rate was 200 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 22,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This seemed to do very well, cutting through the entire material in one pass.

XVO2232 (1/4″ Single Flute Up-Spiral)

V-Grooving To Bend

Some important factors for v-grooving ACM to bend are controlling the cut depth and using the correct tool. The v-groove tool should cut through the first layer of aluminum and the center plastic layer. The goal is to get as close the the second layer of aluminum as possible without cutting through any of it. This allows it to bend while still being durable. Using a tool with a flat tip is very important. When you eventually bend the material, it needs space to ben properly. A bit that comes to a full point does not leave enough room for this. That is why we used an X-Edge 2 flute 90 degree bit with a flat tip (XACM90-V). Our feed rate was 150 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 14,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This again seemed to do very well, cutting through both layers in one pass.

XACM90-V (Two Flute 90 degree V)

Drilling Holes

If you need to drill multiple holes, I highly recommend using a 2 flute carbide drill bit. These are created for long life and making perfect drill holes on a CNC machine. For this experiment, we needed 1/4″ holes so we used a 1/4″ 2 flute solid carbide drill from X-Edge. Our plunge rate was 100 inches per minute (IPM) and our spindle speed was 4,000 rotations per minute (RPM). This cut through all three layers, smoothly and accurately.

XCD2082-S (Two Flute Solid Carbide Drill)

Quick Details / Recommendations:

  • Material: 3mm aluminum composite material (ACM)
  • Tool # 1 (cut through) single o flute upcut (XVO2232) – BUY HERE
  • Feed Rate: 200 IPM / Spindle Speed: 22,000 RPM / 1 Pass
  • Tool # 2 (to bend) 2 flute 90 degree v-groove w/ flat tip (XACM90-V) – BUY HERE
    • Feed Rate: 150 IPM / Spindle Speed: 14,000 RPM / 1 Pass
  • Tool # 3 (1/4″ holes) 2 flute carbide 1/4″ drill bit (XCD2082-S) – BUY HERE
    • Plunge Rate: 100 IPM / Spindle Speed: 4,000 RPM

When orders are placed, they will be double checked to ensure no errors were made and customer follow up will take place during the same day (unless an order is made after hours). If products are available, which most of them are, they will be shipped out the same day. If they are not available, a lead time will be provided. Feel free to reach out for any assistance with our website or anything else regarding CNC routing and knife cutting.

CNC Tooling Shop, a division of Specialty Machinery Inc.

Email: tooling@cnctoolingshop.com

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST)

Phone: (616) 502-7277

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Application Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and cutting recommendations (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com

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The CNC Wood Routing Handbook – A Beginners Guide

CNC Routing Wood - CNC Tooling Shop

CNC routing unlocks a world of wood cutting possibilities. Each species brings its own personality to the machine table: softwoods that carve like butter, hardwoods that fight back with stubborn grain, and engineered boards that demand a careful balance of speed, tooling, and technique. A successful project isn’t just about uploading a file and pressing go. It’s about understanding how maple chips under pressure, why birch loves a sharp bit, and what makes walnut smoke when feeds and speeds aren’t dialed in. Mastering those nuances turns a CNC router from a generic cutter into a precision instrument that respects the nature of every board it touches.

Router Bits

First off, let’s dive into some of the most common wood cutting bits:

  • Compression Bits: Made with both an upcut and downcut portion in order to minimize material fraying
  • Downcut Spirals: Great for profiles (when not cutting all the way through)
  • Upcut Spirals: Great when fraying is not an issue and chip removal is important
  • Bradpoint Drills: For creating partial holes for dowel pins
  • Through-Hole Drills: For drilling holes completely through wood
  • V-Grooves: For beveling edges or engraving designs

Feeds / Speeds

There could be an article written on the feeds/speeds for each type of wood, so I’ll provide some basics. Feel free to reach out to me for further information, recommendations, and tips/tricks.

Compression Bits are your most common tools for cutting wood. They are specifically designed to eliminate fraying, increase feed rates, and extend tool life. The 3/8″ Compression tool is the most common, so here are a few feeds/speeds by material that I would recommend (assuming that you are using an industrial CNC router) with a 3/8″ Compression. My most sold 3/8″ compression bits are XC2023 and mortise version XC2023-M. If you need a coated version (for longer tool life or laminated wood), then the 60-124MC is great.

MaterialFeed RateSpindle SpeedPer Pass
Solid Wood450-550 IPM18,000 RPM3/4″ or less
HPL / HDF500-600 IPM18,000 RPM3/4″ or less
MDF550-620 IPM18,000 RPM3/4″ or less
Plywood550-650 IPM18,000 RPM3/4″ or less
Melamine600-700 IPM18,000 RPM3/4″ or less

Now that you see the different feed rates that are needed for each wood material, I’m sure that you can imagine how much they will change as we get into upcuts, downcuts, drills, and v-grooves. Again, feel free to reach out if you’d like me to go through your entire project or operation. As long as you get tools through me, I’m happy to help.

One last note that I’d like to make on feeds and speeds is that drilling operations act very different. Drills, whether brad point or through-hole drills are plunging, not cutting side to side. Because of this, low RPM’s are VERY important. The same way you start a fire in the woods by spinning a stick in place, this can happen on your CNC router bed. I’ve seen it happen and helped CNC operators work through the mess of repairing their burned machine. Common feeds and speeds for drilling holes is often in the range of 4,000 – 8,000 RPM at a plunge rate of 100-200 IPM. Pecking motions in and out of the wood can also help remove chips and in turn heat buildup.

Left-Hand vs. Right-Hand Tooling

Left-hand versus right-hand tooling matters far more in CNC wood routing than most newcomers expect. Hardwood fibers behave like tiny stubborn soldiers, and the direction your bit spins determines whether you’re slicing them cleanly or going against the grain and in turn removing chunks of material. Right-hand tools dominate the industry, spinning clockwise to pair with the standard router motor rotation while evacuating chips efficiently upward or downward depending on flute geometry.

Left-handed tools sneak into hardwood routing for several smart, practical reasons, almost like the secret agents of the tool rack. Hardwood likes to fight back, and sometimes flipping the cutting forces is the only way to keep the peace. A standard right-hand bit may try to lift the work off the table or peel grain in the wrong direction, while a left-hand bit pushes the part down instead, keeping clamps and vacuum hold-downs happy. Some setups also need chips traveling the opposite direction for cleaner extraction, cooler cutting, and less scorching on wood that already resents heat. When machining both sides of a component or working in mirrored operations, left-hand tools keep edge quality consistent where the grain would otherwise splinter. They’re not common, though when hardwood starts misbehaving, a left-hand spiral suddenly becomes the hero.

Material Hold-down

Vacuum hold-down is crucial when CNC routing wood. It’s like giving your material an invisible bear hug so the router can hog out large amounts of material quickly. Vacuum tables spread suction across the entire sheet, perfect for large panels and nested projects. Vacuum cups, on the other hand, elevate smaller parts or projects needs side profiles (like doors), gripping specific areas with concentrated force so edges, profiles, and pockets stay crisp without tabs or tape. Hardwood can be slippery and determined to wander when cutting forces ramp up, so choosing between a full vacuum table and precision cups depends on part size, surface area, and how dramatic that wood plans to be during machining. A stable hold means cleaner cuts, safer routing, and no surprise airborne souvenirs. Here are a few materials that you can use as a sacrificial board “Spoilboard” on a vacuum table that will allow air to flow through and assist material hold-down.

  • Standard MDF (Mill both the top and bottom layer before using)
  • LDF (more porous equals more airflow)
  • Ultralight MDF (even more porous equals more airflow)

Mastering the art of CNC wood routing isn’t just about knowing your machine, it’s about understanding the character and behavior of every board that lands on the table. From selecting the right bit geometry to dialing in feeds and speeds that respect the density of each species, every choice influences the outcome. Vacuum hold-down keeps parts grounded, while the often-overlooked balance between left- and right-hand tooling ensures grain and chip flow stay on your side. Once these fundamentals click, your CNC router becomes less of a power tool and more of a creative partner, transforming raw wood into precise, polished work worthy of its natural origins.

15% OFF CNC Router Bits
Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

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If You’re Drilling Holes, Use A CNC Drill Chuck!

Drill Chuck CNC Router

You might be asking yourself “What’s a CNC drill chuck?” which is exactly why I’m writing this article. When I show these to my customers, the first thing they say is… “So, if I get one of these, I never have to buy a random sized collet for drill bits again?” to which my answer is “Exactly!”. If you have a handful of collets that you use for all your drill btis, then I’m guessing that you’re really interested in what it is now.

These are the HSK32E, ISO30, and HSK63F CNC drill chucks:

HSK32E
ISO30 HSD or COL
HSK63F

A drill chuck is a tool holder with an HSK32E, ISO30 or HSK63F taper that holds all sized drill bits with a ½” shank or smaller. Loading and unloading a drill bit into a drill chuck works similar to a handheld drill. You simply adjust the holder, by hand, to open or close the clamping teeth to secure or release the drill bit. These are rated to run at proper drilling RPM’s (which should always be low for drill holes), ensuring that your spindle is being taken care of.

Like I mentioned before, this eliminates having a collet for every size drill bit that you plan to use on your CNC machine. It’s a great product that can save an immense amount of time, hassle, and money. There are three taper options for these: HSK63F, HSK32E, and ISO30 (both HSD & COL). Warning, don’t confuse “drill bits” with “Endmills or standard router bits”. If you need any clarification, please reach out at tooling@cnctoolingshop.com.

Feel free to request help with the optimal plunge rates and spindle speeds. It is important to know the lowest spindle speed your machine is capable of before using these, as that is sometimes the spindle speed recommended for drilling operations. For example, we recently drilled holes in HDPE and ACM at 4,000 RPM which was that particular machines slowest spindle speed.

Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Application Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and cutting recommendations (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com

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CNC Routing: EVA Foam (Marine Flooring)

CNC Routing: EVA Foam Marine Flooring

EVA Foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate foam) is a soft, flexible, and durable material made from a blend of ethylene and vinyl acetate. It’s known for being lightweight, shock-absorbent, and resistant to water, UV radiation, and chemicals. It’s key characteristics include being lightweight and flexible, water resistant, shock-absorbing, and easily cut, shaped, or heat-formed.

Common Uses

  • Flooring: marine flooring, gym mats, play mats, and anti-fatigue mats
  • Crafts and cosplay: for making costumes, armor, and props
  • Footwear: midsoles of athletic shoes and sandals
  • Packaging: protective padding for fragile items
  • Sports gear: padding in helmets, guards, and yoga blocks

Today, we’re discussing EVA foam in marine flooring because I’ve been asked one too many times how to cut and shape it. We came up with a simple way to cut your created designs and logos in EVA foam as well as cut out the outer shape in order for pieces to fit in very specific places. This is very important when working on a flooring project for a customer.

EVA Foam Marine Flooring

EVA foam began gaining popularity for marine flooring in the early 2000s with companies like SeaDek pioneering and popularizing it, though it became much more mainstream around the 2010’s as manufacturers started marketing it specifically for boats and watercraft. Being a non-slip, cushioned, easy-to-install material that could stand up to the water and sun made it catch on quick. Today, EVA foam is a top choice for both recreational and professional marine use.

How to Cut

I’m guessing this is why you came here, so let’s get to it. We designed a (5) tool kit that allows anyone with a CNC router and marine flooring grade EVA foam sheets the capability to bring their designs to life. You’ll also need a razor blade or a CNC knife blade to cut out the outer shape of the pieces, but that blade will depend on the brand of your CNC router or knife cutter.

Step 1: Buy The Kit

You can view and purchase the 5-tool kit HERE.

Step 2: Choose the center line size

Our kit includes a 3/16″ and a 1/4″ 3 Flute router bit. These sizes seemed to be the most popular center line options. Other sizes are also available. Feel free to reach out if you’d like something additional. This tool needs to be ran in both climb and conventional directions in order to achieve best quality. We found that a spindle speed of 22,000 RPM and a feed rate of 100-150 IPM worked perfectly.

Step 3: Choose a Ball Burr size

The ball burr router bits are the tools that really bring the designs to life. Our kit includes 3 ball burr sizes: a 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″. Again, more sizes are available but these three seemed to be the most popular. These tools also need to be used in both climb and conventional directions to achieve the best quality. However, these tools run at a much higher feed rate. We pushed our machine all the way up to 1,200 IPM before quality started to rapidly decline. In my opinion, the feed rates between 250 IPM to 600 IPM looked the best, so I would stick there.

Step 4: Knife Cutting

For those of you that have a knife cutting option on your CNC machine, this will be the easiest part. Simply load the correct oscillating blade and slice through it with ease. If you need blades for your Multicam, Zund, Kongsberg, Colex, Ecocam, AXYZ, Aristo, ESKO, or something else just let us know. We have high quality and affordable compatible blades HERE.

Conclusion

All in all, EVA foam for marine flooring can be cut and shaped many different ways. However, this is a simple and proven method, so hopefully this saved you a little time trying to figure out how to do it. Please note the information above applies to the industrial CNC router and knife cutter world. If you have a table top machine, the feeds and speeds may be completely different.

If anything here was explained too simply and you need any assistance or you have questions about the kit, please reach out. My contact information is below.

Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

If you have any questions about which tools to use for any other project as well as how to program them for success, feel free to reach out anytime. Thanks for reading!

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International Sign Association (ISA) Show 2025

ISA 2025 5

The ISA International Sign Expo (ISA Show) is the largest gathering of professionals in the sign, graphics, print, and visual communications industry in North America. This is a yearly show organized by the International Sign Association (ISA).

Key Features of the ISA Show:

  • Exhibit Hall: Showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services from hundreds of exhibitors.
  • Education Sessions: Workshops, panels, and seminars on topics like digital signage, business management, and new printing technologies.
  • Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry peers, suppliers, and potential partners.
  • Product Demos: Hands-on access to new machines, substrates, software, and tools used in signage and graphics.

Who Attends?

  • Sign and print shop owners
  • Graphic designers
  • Architects and engineers
  • Installers and fabricators
  • Marketing professionals
  • Manufacturers and suppliers

Timing & Location:

The ISA Sign Expo typically takes place annually in the spring (March or April), and the location varies, usually rotating among major U.S. cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, or Atlanta.

CNC Tooling Shop:

We attended the ISA show as an exhibitor to show off new and improved tooling, visited with existing and potential partners, as well as to see what is new in the industry. We work in many industries but find ourselves in a lot of sign shops around the world. So, it is important for us to not only be a part of the sign industry but to understand what is current and coming in the future.

Thank you to everyone who attended and stopped by our booth. It was an honor passing on knowledge, hearing your stories, and making new friends. Here is a list of the trade shows that we plan to attend during the year 2025. Feel free to come by and see us!

  • Foam Expo (Novi, MI) – June 24-26
  • Advanced Manufacturing Expo (Grand Rapids, MI) – August 6-7
  • Fabtech (Chicago, IL) September 8-11
  • Print United Expo (Orlando, FL) – October 22-24
Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

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CNC Routing: Corian Solid Surface

Corian is a solid surface material that is composed of approximately one-third acrylic resin (PMMA) and two-thirds natural minerals, primarily alumina trihydrate (ATH) derived from bauxite ore. In addition to these primary ingredients, Corian may also contain trace elements of iron oxide black, carbon black, titanium dioxide, colorants, and methyl methacrylate.

Because of this intense material makeup, people are often unsure how to cut Corian material or question whether or not their CNC router can cut it. The short answer to this question is that your CNC machine can absolutely cut Corian and cut it well. When you pair the correct endmill and feeds/speeds, this material cuts like butter!

CNC Routing Corian

For this test cut, we used The Legacy a Specialty Cutting Systems 4′ X 8′ CNC router with it’s stock 12 HP spindle, max 24,000 RPM. This machine offers more than enough power and speed to cut solid surface material.

The Legacy router has an automatic tool change but all we needed here was one tool. Depending on the Corian thickness and design, you can choose the Razor Series tool diameter that fits your needs. In this case, we cut 1/2″ Corian with a 1/4″ 3 Flute Spiral Upcut endmill called “XR2062-CB” This tool is meant to cut fast without sacrificing quality and it did just that.

We set this tool up to cut the part out at 300 IPM, 22,000 RPM, Climb Cut, and 2 passes. The edge quality came out great and there was little to no sound while this material was being cut. The Razor series bits were invented to cut Corian and we have yet to find an endmill that does it better. If you have some solid surface to cut, give us a call and find out with of the Razor series bits we would recommend as well as the specific feeds/speeds that would work best for your machine.

Quick Facts

  • Machine: Specialty Cutting Systems : “The Legacy”
  • Endmills: Razor Series
  • Specific Tool: XR2062-CB
  • Spindle Speed: 22,000 RPM
  • Feed Rate: 300 IPM
  • Direction: Climb
  • Number of Passes: 1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the tool
Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Applications Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and applications (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com | (616) 502-7277 | LinkedIn

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Zund Compatible Knife Blades

Colex Compatible Knife Blades

Why pay more money for a knife blade on your Zund flatbed digital cutter than you have to? At CNC Tooling Shop, we offer high quality Zund cutting system compatible knife blades at a low cost.

Lately, Zund CNC machine users have been reaching out because the price that they pay for blades is becoming unaffordable. We have been not only able to supply them with more affordable blades but we’re also able to ship blades out the same day that orders are placed.

Some materials being cut on Zund CNC machines include Coroplast, Corrugated Stock, Foam Board, Styrofoam, Foam Board, Honeycomb Board, Falcon Board, Vinyl, Magnet, PVC, PVC Sintra, Styrene, Foil, Card Stock, Xanita, Triple Wall, Fabric, Textile, and more. We have the blades to cut it all.

Here is a cheat sheet to reference your Colex CNC knife blade part number:

Zund Part NumberOur Part Number (Link)Knife HolderCut Length
Z1XZ0001C2/C2P/KCM-S/KCT1mm
Z10XZ0010SCT/UCT4.8mm
Z11XZ0011SCT/UCT6.9mm
Z13XZ0013SCT/UCT6.9mm
Z70/Z71XZ0070/71T75/VCT15.6/18.4mm
Z16XZ0016EOT/EOT-250/POT/SCT/UCT7.4mm
Z17XZ0017EOT/EOT-250/POT/SCT/UCT12mm
Z20XZ0020EOT/EOT-250/POT14.3mm
Z21XZ0021EOT/EOT-250/POT17.2mm
Z22XZ0022EOT/EOT-250/POT14mm
Z23XZ0023EOT/EOT-250/POT22mm
Z26XZ0026EOT/EOT-250/POT8.7mm
Z28XZ0028EOT/EOT-250/POT26mm
Z29XZ0029EOT/POT31mm
Z30XZ0030PPT2mm
Z31XZ0031PPT2mm
Z33XZ0033PPT5mm
Z35XZ0035PPT5mm
Z41XZ0041EOT/EOT-250/POT11.3mm
Z42XZ0042EOT/EOT-250/POT7.8mm
Z43XZ0043EOT/EOT-250/POT7.8mm
Z44XZ0044SCT/UCT14mm
Z46XZ0046SCT/UCT20mm
Z50XZ0050DRT/PRT3.5mm
Z51XZ0051DRT/PRT5mm
Z53XZ0053DRT/PRT2mm
Z60XZ0060EOT-250/POT16.5mm

Feel free to take 15% off your first order with coupon code “FIRST15”. If you have any questions or need a recommendation, please call me (Greg) at (616) 502-7277 or email me at greg@cnctoolingshop.com

If the great prices aren’t enough to give them a try, reach out and ask for a sample blade. CNC Tooling Shop also has the popular 6mm shank router bits that are common in Zund flatbed digital cutters.

Greg Smolka

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Application Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and cutting recommendations (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com

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CNC Routing: King Color Core

As the popularity of King Color Core (Plastic) grows, the knowledge on how to cut and shape parts with a CNC router must grow as well. Here is how we created a simple yet eye-catching sign on the Kimla BPF CNC Router with Black & White King Color Core plastic material.

First off, lets dive into King Color Core and the Kimla BPF CNC Router. King Color Core is made with high-impact-resistant polymer, more commonly known as HDPE, to handle more abuse than conventional sign materials. It is durable, never needing refreshing, and versatile with layers of contrasting colors. Each side has a matte finished face. It is environmentally stabilized to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions meaning that it will not rust, delaminate or rot when exposed to UV, humidity, or water.

Various King Color Core Sheets

Ideal applications include:

  • Signage
  • Marine Applications
  • Children’s Furniture & Tables
  • Displays
  • Games
  • Museums

Kimla CNC Routers are the hottest routers on the market. They’re in a league of their own due to precise and intentional manufacturing. Customer needs are always at the forefront, which is why we have no problem recommending them to any and everyone. For this project, we used the Kimla BPF. If you’d like to learn more about the Kimla machine line, reach out to Specialty Machinery Inc.

King Color Core can be cut with an array of different CNC bits but we found that the best one for speed and quality was the XR2062-CB and XR2063-CB which is the Razor Series from X-Edge Tools. This is a three-flute upcut tool with chip-breakers built in, made for cutting plastic materials. The additional flutes allow for higher speeds. The chip-breakers help decrease chip size and material melting. The upcut/up-spiral direction helps this tool provide top notch quality.

Cutting King Color Core

For this project, a simple cutout and v-groove was all that was needed. This material has an array of different capabilities when it comes to tooling options. From roundover bits to keyhole slot cutters, there’s a lot that can be achieved here. First, we engraved “CNC Tooling Shop” into the material with the XIV6012 which is a 60 degree v-groove insert cutter. The replacement inserts in the cutter allow you to cut costs by simply replacing them when becoming dull instead of replacing the entire tool. The sweet spot for XIV6012 was a feed rate of 100 IPM and a spindle speed of 21,000 RPM. Lastly, we cutout the rectangle shape of the sign with the XR2062-CB which, as stated above, is a three flute upcut tool. This tool was ran at a whopping feed rate of 500 IPM and a spindle speed of 22,000 RPM. It’s amazing how well this tool cuts at high speeds.

CNC Routing King Color Core

Standard Cutting Parameters:

  • Cutout: XR2062-CB | Feed Rate: 500 IPM | Spindle Speed: 22,000 RPM | Direction: Climb
  • V-Groove: XIV6012 | Feed Rate: 100 IPM | Spindle Speed: 21,000 RPM | Direction: Climb

Advanced Cutting Parameters (following standard cutting parameters)

  • Cutout Cleanup: (.03″ Removal) XR2062-CB | Feed Rate: 60 IPM | Spindle Speed: 22,000 RPM | Direction: Climb

Feel free to reach out with any questions or tool recommendations for cutting King Color Core, other plastics, aluminum, composites, or wood.

Greg Smolka (Author)

CNC Tooling & Application Manager

Here to help with tooling recommendations (bits, knives, collets, tool holders, maintenance kits, torque stations, etc.) and cutting recommendations (feeds/speeds, tips/tricks, # of passes, etc.).

Contact Info: greg@cnctoolingshop.com