This is a place to list bits that the community has found useful, for each bit add materials and uses that it was effective for as well as speeds and recommending settings.
Your Maslow kit needs a router DewaltDWP611 to work as well as a cutting bit to go in the router. The Dewalt 611 has a very exact 1/4 inch hole in the chuck. As sold it can only use router bits with a 1/4 in shaft.
To change a Router bit, you will need to press in towards the center of the router on a yellow button that is in a semicircular recess in the bottom Maslow4 Clamp ring. This button pushes a metal rod into a cut out space on the shaft of the router to hold the shaft in place while you use a wrench to loosen the chuck nut which will let the router bit slide in and out. This is a lot for just two hands to do. Maslow community members have designed a 3D printable button pusher stub to push into the hole to hold the button down while changing the bit. Be sure to remove it before starting. https://www.maslowcnc.com/the-not-shop
The most common cutting bit is a 1/4 in 2 flute spiral upcutting bit. These are available in the Maslow website shop and in most hardware stores.
https://shop.maslowcnc.com/collections/router-bits-and-accessories
This bit will cut a 1/4 inch groove in plywood or other material, part way through to make pocket cuts or all of the way through to cut around the profile of a piece. It can also drill a 1/4 in hole by pecking in and out of the hole in stages but not very well. Buy one of these to get started.
The 1/4 inch bit limits you by resolution and shape, many people buy a more delicate 1/8 upcut spiral to do smaller details. From there you could do all sorts of things. V cutters are good for engraving signs, Longer bits are good for cutting through soft styrofoam, stubby drill bits (regular length drill bits don’t quite fit) for drilling holes. Rounded bits for sculpting surfaces. There are many options.
Two common router bit adapters that Maslow community members have found useful are a 1/4 to 1/8 inch chuck adaptor so that you can use 1/8 router and carving bits (common size for Dremel tools and widely available) And then an alternate chuck tightening system and nut as it is a bit challenging to change router bits in the tight space inside the Maslow. Some of these like MuscleChuck use a hex wrench or other tool, others use different tightening systems that also may be easier to use.
Safety
Unplug the router and Maslow while changing bits. Router bits are razor sharp and will be burning hot after use. Consider gloves or have a plan. The impulse to just reach in and grab the working end of the bit is not a good one. Also think about where the bit will fall when the chuck is loosened. Dropping an $80 dollar bit on concrete is sad.
BIT LIBRARY
To add a Bit start a new entry with a title started by three ### hash symbols then add pictures, materials and description and links. Add to existing entries with your settings and uses. Still working on what is a useful format here, use your judgment. If we use the heading system built into markdown it will automatically create a table of contents in the top right corner of the reading pane.
Example Bit entry heading text
PICTURE
- Overview:
- Links:
- Sources:
- Profile:
- Materials used on:
- Speeds and Settings:
- Details:
- Notes:
- More Pictures:
- Credits:
Straight Cylinders
Straight 1/4 inch two flute spiral upcut
PICTURE
- Excellent all round starter bit. Cylinder with spirals that bring material up to the surface as it cuts. Upcutting can had a slightly rougher edge as wood fibers are pulled up out of the surface. It cuts a 1/4 kerf (cutting hole) as it goes. Limited in resolution. Avaliable anywhere where routers sold.
- Links:
- Sources:
- https://shop.maslowcnc.com/products/1-4-inch-two-flute-up-spiral-router-bit
- Profile:
- Materials used on:
- Plywood 1/2, 3/4 in
- OSB (oriented strand board) 1/2, 3/4 in
- Particle board 1/2, 3/4 in
- Speeds and Settings:
- Details:
- Notes:
- Can act as a 1/4 in drill but it is not very good for deep holes. Pecking or lifting in and out of the cut while working is slower but it helps keep holes clear and circular. It can move in a small circle to drill larger holes but it would be slower than a dedicated short drill bit.
- More Pictures:
- Credits:
Straight 1/8 inch cutting, 1/4 inch router shaft. Two flute upcut spiral
PICTURE
- Excellent all round bit. Smaller with better resolution than a 1/4 inch bit. Have to move a little slower as it is more fragile. Widely available in router stores. Upcutting can make more splinters than downcutting but do clear the debris better.
- Links:
- Sources:
- Profile:
- Materials used on:
- Particle board
- Plywood
- OSB (oriented strand board)
- Speeds and Settings:
- Details:
- Notes:
- More Pictures:
- Credits: