Frequently Asked Questions

What types of CNC router bits do you sell?

We stock a wide range of CNC router bits including compression bits, upcut and downcut spirals, aluminium router bits, ball nose bits, straight flute bits, composite TCT bits, flush trim bits and specialty cutters for signmakers, cabinetmakers and general fabrication.

Are your carbide tools industrial grade?

Yes. Our carbide tools are industrial grade, designed for professional CNC routers, mills and drills. They’re suitable for continuous use in trade environments where tool life, consistency and cut quality matter.

Do you stock compression bits for plywood and MDF?

Yes. We carry compression spiral bits specifically designed for plywood, particleboard and MDF. They’re ideal for clean top and bottom edges on cabinets, doors, furniture panels and sign panels.

What coatings are available (TiN, TiAlN, DLC, PCD, etc.)?

We offer a range of coatings including TiN, TiAlN, AlTiN, DLC and uncoated carbide, plus PCD diamond-tipped tools on selected products. Each coating is chosen to improve tool life, heat resistance and edge quality for specific materials.

Can I get help choosing the right router bit for my material?

Yes. You can contact us with your material, machine type and job details and we’ll recommend suitable router bits or drill bits. We regularly help with MDF, plywood, solid timber, aluminium, ACM, acrylic, plastics and composite panels.

Do you offer bulk pricing or trade discounts?

Yes. For repeat users, trade customers and bulk orders we can offer pricing tailored to your usage. Contact us with the tools and quantities you need and we’ll quote accordingly.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit and debit cards and other common online payment options available at checkout. All payments are processed securely through our e-commerce platform.

How fast do you ship orders?

Orders are typically dispatched within 1 business day once payment is received. If an item is out of stock or delayed, we’ll contact you with options before shipping.

Do you offer express shipping for urgent jobs?

Yes, express shipping is available on most orders at checkout. If you’re on a tight deadline, choose an express option or contact us before ordering so we can confirm timing.

Can I pick up my order locally?

If local pickup is available, you’ll see it as an option at checkout. We’ll email you when your order is ready for collection and confirm pickup times and address details.

Do you ship internationally?

We can ship to selected international destinations. Shipping options and pricing are shown at checkout; if your country isn’t listed, contact us and we’ll see what’s possible.

How do I track my order once it’s shipped?

Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link. You can use this link to follow your parcel’s progress with the carrier.

Which router bits are best for MDF?

Compression bits and upcut/downcut spirals designed for wood-based panels are ideal for MDF. Use a compression bit for through-cuts where you want clean top and bottom edges, and a downcut or upcut for pocketing and profiling depending on chip evacuation.

What router bits should I use for aluminium?

For aluminium, use aluminium-specific upcut spiral bits or single-flute cutters with polished flutes. These are designed to clear chips efficiently and reduce built-up edge, especially when combined with the correct feeds, speeds and lubrication.

Do you have tools suitable for acrylic and plastics?

Yes. We stock bits designed for acrylic, PVC, HDPE and other plastics. These tools are ground to reduce heat and melting while producing a clear, smooth edge finish.

Can your carbide bits cut composite materials like ACM?

Yes. Many of our carbide tools and composite-specific cutters are suitable for ACM, fibreglass and other composite materials. Always check the product description or ask us if you’re unsure.

Which step drill bit should I use for stainless steel?

For stainless steel we recommend high-performance step drill bits made from cobalt HSS (such as M35 or higher) with suitable coatings like TiAlN. Use cutting fluid, correct RPM and steady feed to improve life and finish.

What collet size do I need for my CNC router or handheld router?

You need a collet that matches your tool shank (e.g. 6 mm, 6.35 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm) and fits your spindle or router. Check your machine manual or nameplate for supported collet sizes, or contact us with your model and we’ll guide you.

How long do your carbide bits typically last?

Tool life depends heavily on material, feeds and speeds, coolant and how aggressively you cut. With correct settings and handling, quality carbide bits can provide long service life before needing replacement.

How do I prevent burning or chipping when cutting timber?

Use sharp tools, correct chipload and adequate RPM. Burning or chipping often comes from dull bits, running too slow, feeding too slowly or re-cutting chips. Adjust feeds and speeds and ensure dust extraction is working properly.

What’s the correct chip load for my tool?

Chipload is a combination of RPM, feed rate and number of flutes. Recommended chipload ranges are usually listed in our feeds and speeds information or product descriptions. If in doubt, contact us with your tool size and material.

How do I know when a router bit needs replacing?

Signs include poor edge finish, burning, increased cutting noise, visible wear or chipping on the cutting edges and the need to slow down to get a clean cut. When you see these signs, it’s usually time to replace the tool.

How should I clean and maintain my bits for maximum tool life?

Remove built-up resin and material from flutes using a suitable cleaner and soft brush. Dry tools thoroughly, store them in holders or racks to protect edges, and avoid banging tools together or dropping them.

Where can I find recommended feeds and speeds?

We provide feeds and speeds guidance for many tools in our product descriptions and on dedicated reference pages. If you can’t find data for your setup, contact us with your material and machine details.

Do your tools include chipload data?

Where available, we list recommended chipload ranges or starting points for each tool. These are intended as a guide and may need adjustment to suit your specific machine, material and hold-down.

How do I calculate RPM and feed rate for my CNC machine?

Once you know your target chipload, you can calculate feed rate by multiplying chipload by RPM and number of flutes. Many CAM programs can do this automatically, and we can help you with starting values if needed.

Why am I getting poor edge finish or melting on plastics?

This usually comes from too much heat and not enough chip evacuation. Try using a plastic-specific bit, increasing feed rate, lowering RPM, improving chip extraction, and making sure you’re not rubbing instead of cutting.

What is your return policy?

We follow a fair and transparent returns policy in line with consumer law. If you have an issue with a product, contact us with your order number and details so we can review and offer repair, replacement or refund where appropriate. You can find our return policy in the footer of our website.

What happens if a tool arrives damaged?

If a tool arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us as soon as possible with photos and your order details. We’ll assess the issue and organise a replacement or other resolution.

Do your products come with a warranty?

Yes. Our products are covered by warranty against manufacturing defects. Normal wear, misuse and incorrect application are not covered, but we’ll always work with you to find a practical solution.

How do I contact support for technical advice?

You can reach us via our contact page or email. Include your material, machine, tool type and any photos or CAM screenshots so we can give specific, useful advice.

Do you sell PCD diamond tools?

Yes. We offer PCD diamond tools on selected product lines for high-volume cutting in abrasive materials such as laminates and composites. If you can’t see the PCD tool you need listed, contact us and we’ll check availability.

Can I order custom-sized router bits?

In many cases, we can source or manufacture custom router bits with specific diameters, cutting lengths, shank sizes or geometries. Send us your specifications and quantities and we’ll confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.

Do you offer specialised cutters for sign-making materials?

Yes. We supply tools specifically suited to sign materials such as ACM, acrylic, PVC, foamed PVC, aluminium, MDF and composite panels. If you’re unsure which tool suits your substrate, we’ll help match the correct geometry.

Can I request tools not listed on the website?

Yes. If you need a specific tool, geometry or coating that isn’t listed, contact us with details. We may already have it available off-list or be able to source an equivalent solution through our supplier network.

What is the difference between an up spiral and a down spiral router bit?

An up spiral router bit pulls chips upward out of the cut, making it useful when chip evacuation is the priority. A down spiral router bit pushes chips downward, which can help protect the top surface but may trap heat and swarf in deeper cuts. For many production jobs, the right choice depends on whether you care more about chip removal, top-edge finish, bottom-edge finish, or part hold-down.

What is a compression router bit?

A compression router bit combines up-cut and down-cut geometry in one tool. This helps control both the top and bottom faces of the material during through-cutting, reducing chipping, burring and edge breakout. Compression bits are commonly used for ACM, plywood, MDF, laminates and panel products where a cleaner edge is required on both sides.

Why use a single flute router bit?

A single flute router bit gives more room for chip evacuation, which is useful in materials that generate larger or stickier chips, such as aluminium, ACM and some plastics. The large flute space helps move chips away from the cutter faster, reducing heat, rubbing and material build-up. Single flute tools are also useful when running high feed rates on CNC routers.

Why is chip evacuation so important?

Chip evacuation keeps the cutter from re-cutting old chips. Re-cutting chips creates heat, scratches the edge finish, increases tool wear and can lead to chip welding. This is especially important in aluminium, plastics and ACM. Tools with polished flutes, single flute geometry and up-cut evacuation are designed to move chips out of the cut more efficiently.

What router bit gives the cleanest edge on plywood?

For through-cutting plywood, a compression spiral is usually the cleanest option because it controls both the top veneer and the bottom veneer. This helps reduce breakout, fuzzing and edge splintering. For best results, use a sharp tool, correct feed rate, enough hold-down and a final finishing pass where edge quality is critical.

What router bit should I use for laminated board?

For laminated board, melamine and double-sided panels, use a compression spiral router bit. The opposing flute geometry helps reduce chip-out on both faces. This is important on cabinet parts, shelving, doors and shopfitting panels where both sides of the sheet need a clean finished edge.

How do I choose the right router bit diameter?

Choose the largest diameter that can still achieve the detail required. Larger tools are usually stronger, more stable and better for fast material removal. Smaller tools are better for tight corners, fine details and narrow slots, but they are easier to break and usually need more careful feed, speed and depth settings.

What cut length should I choose?

Choose a cut length slightly longer than the material thickness, but do not use a longer cutting edge than necessary. Excess cut length reduces rigidity and can increase vibration. For example, a 12mm cut length suits many thinner sheet materials, while thicker panels need longer flute length and a more rigid setup.

Can I use CNC router bits in a handheld router?

Some CNC router bits can be used in a handheld router, but it depends on the bit, shank size, material and application. Handheld routers are less rigid than CNC machines, so they are more prone to chatter, grabbing and inconsistent feed. Use extra care, ensure the bit is securely clamped, and avoid aggressive cuts.

Why choose Atlas Tools instead of generic router bits?

Atlas Tools focuses on CNC tooling selected for real workshop use, including signmaking, cabinetry, fabrication, aluminium routing, ACM cutting, plastics and composite machining. The range includes material-specific tools, DLC-coated ACM and aluminium cutters, PCD diamond tooling, CVD diamond composite bits, ER32 collets, ISO30 tool holders and step drill bits, backed by practical product guidance and Australian stock.

What router bit is good for ACM?

For ACM, the best option is usually a single flute DLC-coated compression router bit designed specifically for aluminium composite material. Atlas Tools' ACM router bits are made to cut both the aluminium skins and polyethylene core cleanly, helping produce a smooth top and bottom edge with minimal burrs. The compression geometry helps control the cut on both faces, while the DLC coating reduces friction, heat build-up and material sticking. Standard alternatives like up spirals, down spirals and straight flute router bits can cut ACM, but they often leave burrs quickly, especially once the edge starts wearing. For cleaner production work, sign panels, folded ACM and ACM sheets with vinyl already applied, use the dedicated ACM range: https://atlastools.co/collections/acm-router-bits

What router bits are good for composites such as Thermolite and carbon fibre?

For abrasive composites such as Thermolite, carbon fibre, fibreglass, FRP, G10, phenolic and compact laminate, use diamond-based tooling where possible. PCD gives the longest tool life and is the best option for production runs. Atlas Tools' CVD diamond-coated composite router bits are a strong lower-entry-price option for abrasive composite boards when standard carbide wears too quickly but PCD is more than the job requires.

What router bits are good for steel or aerospace materials?

For steels, stainless steel, titanium and many aerospace alloys, use carbide end mills designed for metal machining rather than timber or plastic router bits. Steel and aerospace alloys require the right machine rigidity, tool holding, coating, feed rate and coolant or air strategy. For aerospace composites, use PCD or CVD diamond-coated composite tooling. For steel and titanium work, choose carbide end mills suited to the specific alloy and application.

What is the difference between ULTRACLEAN and ULTRAPACK ACM router bits?

ULTRACLEAN is focused on clean chip evacuation and burr-free edges, making it suitable for larger panels and jobs where swarf removal is important. ULTRAPACK is designed to pack chips into the cut, helping small parts stay in place during routing. Choose ULTRACLEAN for cleaner evacuation and ULTRAPACK when part hold-down is the bigger problem.

Can I cut ACM with vinyl already applied?

Yes. A dedicated ACM compression router bit is the better choice when cutting ACM with pre-applied vinyl. The compression geometry helps control both the top and bottom faces, reducing furry edges, burring and lifting around the vinyl. Atlas Tools' DLC-coated ACM compression bits are specifically positioned for clean ACM cutting, including panels with vinyl already applied.

Why do router bits leave burrs on ACM?

Burrs on ACM usually come from the wrong cutter geometry, a dull tool, poor chip evacuation, too much heat, or incorrect feeds and speeds. Standard up spirals, down spirals and straight flute bits can cut ACM, but they often start leaving burrs quickly. A DLC-coated single flute compression bit is usually the cleaner choice for ACM signage and panel work.

Why does aluminium stick to my router bit?

Aluminium chips can weld to the cutter when heat and friction get too high. This usually happens when chips are not clearing properly, the feed rate is too slow, the RPM is too high, or the cutter is not suited to aluminium. A sharp aluminium up spiral with polished flutes or DLC coating helps clear chips faster and reduce sticking.

Why is my acrylic melting when I cut it?

Acrylic melts when too much heat builds up at the cutting edge. This can come from a dull bit, incorrect feed rate, excessive RPM, poor chip evacuation or using a tool not suited to plastics. A sharp plastic up spiral with polished flutes helps move chips out quickly and reduce heat, giving a cleaner edge with less gumming or re-welding.

Why does plastic re-weld after routing?

Plastic re-welds when hot chips soften and stick back to the cut edge. This usually means the tool is rubbing rather than cutting cleanly, or the chips are not leaving the cut fast enough. Use a plastic-specific router bit, improve extraction, increase feed where appropriate, and avoid running RPM so high that the cutter overheats the material.

What does DLC coating do on a router bit?

DLC stands for diamond-like carbon. It creates a hard, low-friction surface that helps reduce chip sticking, heat build-up and friction during cutting. On materials like ACM, aluminium and plastics, DLC coating can improve edge quality, reduce chip welding and help the tool stay consistent for longer production runs.

What is the difference between DLC and PCD?

DLC is a thin, low-friction coating applied to the cutter surface. PCD stands for polycrystalline diamond, where diamond cutting edges are fixed to the tool for much higher wear resistance. DLC is useful for friction reduction and clean cutting. PCD is better for high-volume cutting in abrasive materials where standard carbide wears too quickly.

What is CVD diamond coating?

CVD diamond coating is a real grown diamond layer applied to the carbide tool surface. It is designed for abrasive materials such as fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic and compact laminate. Atlas Tools' abrasive composite bits use real CVD diamond coating for extreme wear resistance in materials that quickly dull standard carbide tools.

When should I use a PCD diamond compression bit?

Use a PCD diamond compression bit when you are cutting abrasive sheet materials or running high-volume production where tool life matters. PCD tools cost more upfront, but they can reduce tool changes, improve consistency and keep edge quality stable over longer runs. They are especially useful for abrasive wood composites, laminates, fibreglass, carbon fibre and Thermolite-style panels.

What router bit lasts longest in abrasive materials?

For the longest tool life in abrasive materials, use a PCD diamond router bit. PCD is the best choice when you are cutting high volumes of abrasive board, laminates, Thermolite, fibreglass, carbon fibre, ACM, or wood composites. It costs more upfront, but it reduces tool changes and keeps the edge more consistent over production runs.

What router bit should I use for abrasive composite boards?

For abrasive composite boards, use a CVD diamond-coated composite router bit. These are a strong middle-ground option when standard carbide wears too quickly but PCD is more than the job budget allows. Atlas Tools' abrasive composite router bits are built for fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic, compact laminate and other abrasive composite panels.

Is PCD better than carbide for abrasive materials?

Yes. For abrasive materials, PCD is usually the better long-term tool-life option. Standard carbide can work for short runs, but abrasive panels wear the cutting edge quickly. PCD holds its edge longer, gives more consistent finishes, and reduces the number of tool changes in production work.

When should I choose CVD diamond instead of PCD?

Choose a CVD diamond-coated composite bit when you need better wear resistance than normal carbide but want a lower entry price than PCD. It is a practical option for abrasive composite boards, fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic and compact laminate. Atlas Tools' CVD composite bit uses a real diamond coating grown onto the carbide surface.

When should I choose PCD instead of CVD diamond coating?

Choose PCD when you are cutting abrasive materials regularly, running long jobs, or trying to reduce downtime from tool changes. Choose CVD diamond-coated composite bits when you still need strong abrasion resistance but want a more affordable price point for composite sheet work. In simple terms: PCD for maximum tool life, CVD composite bits for strong value in abrasive boards.

What router bit should I use for Thermolite?

For Thermolite, use a PCD compression router bit where maximum edge life and production consistency matter. Atlas Tools' Thermolite router bit range can include PCD compression options, nano-coated compression bits, ball nose tools and composite CVD diamond options depending on whether you are cutting through, grooving, trimming or shaping.

Why do abrasive boards wear out router bits so quickly?

Abrasive boards contain fibres, fillers, resins, minerals or hard layers that grind away the cutting edge as the tool runs. Materials like fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic and compact laminate can destroy standard carbide much faster than timber, plastic or ACM. That is why PCD and CVD diamond-coated tools are recommended for better tool life.

What is the best router bit for high-volume composite cutting?

For high-volume composite cutting, use PCD where possible. It gives the longest edge life and is the better production choice when the same material is being cut repeatedly. For smaller runs, testing, or jobs where price matters more, Atlas Tools' CVD diamond-coated abrasive composite bits are a more affordable step up from standard carbide.

What router bit should I use for carbon fibre?

For carbon fibre, use either a PCD router bit for maximum tool life or a CVD diamond-coated composite router bit for a strong balance of price and abrasion resistance. Carbon fibre is highly abrasive and can quickly dull standard carbide, so general-purpose bits are not the right choice for repeat work.

What router bit should I use for fibreglass or FRP?

For fibreglass and FRP, use a diamond-based tooling option. PCD is the premium choice for longest life. A CVD diamond-coated composite bit is a strong lower-cost option for abrasive board cutting. Atlas Tools' composite router bit is suited to materials such as fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic and compact laminate.

What router bit should I use for G10 or phenolic board?

For G10 and phenolic board, use a CVD diamond-coated composite bit or a PCD router bit. These materials are dense, abrasive and hard on cutting edges. A standard carbide bit may cut the material, but it will usually lose edge quality quickly. Use PCD for longest life or CVD diamond-coated composite tooling for a better price point.

Why use a chip-breaker flute on composite materials?

A chip-breaker flute helps break up long, stringy fibres during cutting. This reduces fibre wrapping, improves chip control and helps create a cleaner edge in difficult composite materials. Atlas Tools' abrasive composite bit uses a 4-flute straight design with chip-breaker geometry to help control stringy composite fibres and reduce fibre pull-out.

Are compression bits good for abrasive materials?

Compression bits can be good for abrasive materials when edge quality on both faces matters, but the tool material matters more. A standard carbide compression bit will wear quickly in abrasive board. For long-term use, choose a PCD compression bit. It gives the compression edge benefit while handling abrasive wear much better.

What router bit is best for reducing tool changes?

For reducing tool changes, use PCD where the material justifies it. PCD is the best option when downtime costs more than the tool. It is especially suitable for repetitive production cutting in abrasive panels, laminates, wood composites, Thermolite, fibreglass and carbon fibre.

What is the best value option for cutting abrasive composites?

For a strong balance of price and performance, use Atlas Tools' CVD diamond-coated abrasive composite router bits. They are not as long-life as premium PCD in heavy production, but they are a serious upgrade from standard carbide for abrasive composite board cutting. They are suited to fibreglass, carbon fibre, FRP, G10, phenolic, compact laminate and abrasive composite panels.

What causes chatter when CNC routing?

Chatter usually comes from poor tool holding, excessive tool stick-out, weak material hold-down, incorrect feeds and speeds, worn tooling, or a machine that is not rigid enough for the cut. A quality collet, accurate tool holder, sharp cutter and reduced stick-out all help improve finish quality and reduce vibration.

Why does tool stick-out matter?

Tool stick-out is the amount of cutter extending from the collet. The more the tool sticks out, the more leverage it has to flex, vibrate or snap. Use the shortest safe stick-out for the job. This improves rigidity, edge finish, tool life and dimensional accuracy.

Why are good collets important?

A good collet grips the tool evenly and keeps it running true. Poor collets create runout, vibration, poor edge finish and shorter tool life. Atlas Tools' ER32 collets are positioned for accurate tool holding, low runout, even clamping pressure and consistent cutting results across CNC and routing applications.

When should I replace a collet?

Replace a collet if it shows wear, scoring, rust, loss of spring tension, uneven gripping or if your tools are suddenly producing poor finishes despite using the correct cutter. Collets are consumable precision parts. If you are chasing better finish quality and tool life, old collets are one of the first things to check.

What does runout mean?

Runout is how far the tool spins away from true centre. High runout makes the tool cut unevenly, which can cause vibration, poor finish, oversized cuts and premature tool wear. Low runout from a quality collet and tool holder helps the cutter run smoother and keeps edge quality more consistent.

What is an ISO30 ER32 tool holder used for?

An ISO30 ER32 tool holder is used to securely hold ER32 collets and cutting tools in compatible CNC spindles. Atlas Tools' ISO30 ER32 holder supports tools up to 19mm shank diameter, is balanced for high spindle speeds and is designed for low runout, stable cutting and repeatable clamping.

How do I maintain tool holders and collets?

Keep tool holders and collets clean, dry and protected from dust, resin, coolant residue and rust. Wipe down contact surfaces, avoid dropping them, and store them where the taper and clamping faces cannot be damaged. Light rust-prevention oil is useful in humid workshops, especially on tool holders that are handled regularly.

What router bit should I use for high feed rates?

For high feed rates, use a tool with strong chip evacuation and enough rigidity for the material. Single flute up-spiral tools are useful in aluminium and plastics because they evacuate chips quickly. Aluminium up-spiral bits with sharp single-flute geometry are useful for fast chip evacuation and stability at higher feed rates.

Can I run high feed rates in plastic?

Yes, but only with the right bit and proper chip evacuation. In plastic, the cutter needs to remove chips cleanly before they melt or re-weld to the edge. A plastic up-spiral bit with generous flute capacity can support higher feed rates while helping keep the workpiece cool.

Can I run high feed rates in aluminium?

Yes, but aluminium needs strong chip evacuation and a cutter designed for non-ferrous metals. A single flute aluminium up-spiral is usually a better option than a general-purpose cutter because it gives chips room to escape. This helps reduce re-cutting, heat build-up and aluminium sticking to the tool.

What happens if I feed too slowly?

Feeding too slowly can cause rubbing instead of cutting. That creates heat, shortens tool life, melts plastics, welds aluminium chips to the cutter, and can leave poor edge quality. Many router bit problems come from babying the feed rate too much. The cutter needs to make chips, not dust or heat.

What happens if I feed too fast?

Feeding too fast can overload the cutter, cause chatter, snap small tools, shift the sheet, or leave rough edges. The aim is not simply to run the fastest possible feed rate. The aim is to run the fastest stable feed rate that still gives clean chips, accurate parts and acceptable edge quality.

What are step drill bits used for?

Step drill bits are used for drilling and enlarging holes in sheet materials. They are useful for metal sheet, aluminium, plastics, electrical work, fabrication and signage work because one bit can create multiple hole sizes. Atlas Tools step bits are available in different sizes, coatings and steel grades for clean, controlled drilling.

What is a step tip drill bit?

A step tip drill bit has a self-centring tip that helps start the hole without wandering. Atlas Tools' M35 step tip drill is designed to skip pilot holes, drill faster through sheet materials and produce clean, repeatable holes. It uses M35 cobalt HSS, a nano coating and a hex shank for quick-change use.