Die grinder bits

[Paradox]

So I just ordered myself a Makita die grinder. Now I just need some bits.

What would you guys recommend for a bit set and other things that would be useful for bonsai?

Was looking at this set on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/8pc-Dual-Cut-...885&sr=8-5&keywords=1/4+inch+die+grinder+bits

The one I ordered is a 1/4 inch collette.

Thanks!

 

[Vance Wood]

So I just ordered myself a Makita die grinder. Now I just need some bits.

What would you guys recommend for a bit set and other things that would be useful for bonsai?

Was looking at this set on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/8pc-Dual-Cut-...885&sr=8-5&keywords=1/4+inch+die+grinder+bits

The one I ordered is a 1/4 inch collette.

Thanks!

I received a die grinder for Christmas. Bits are a problem. I purchased some router bits that I thought would do the job as long as I used eye protection; we will see this summer. We are expecting another 6 inches of snow in the next couple of days so it's going to be a while before I am able to try it out. Ghrahm Potter sells them at his web site but I do not know what they cost.

 

[Poink88]

Check this. Note the free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Astro-Pneum...943?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338a570967

or this 5 piece but from Hong Kong so you need to wait longer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-PCS-Set-1...289?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58a939a4c9

 

[Poink88]

This is my favorite bit to use....a round nose router bit.
http://www.amazon.com/Freud-18-104-...T7DD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1391358230&sr=8-3
or this for smaller cuts http://www.amazon.com/Freud-18-102-...T7DC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1391358230&sr=8-7

This type is also what Dan Robinson use. I think he prefers Whiteside brand though which is also a great brand. I am partial to Freud though.

 

[bonsaibp]

Get a hold of Dale Cochoy either by PM or on Facebook he'll have everything you could possiblly need.
The ones your looking at will take longer and not do half a good a job as structured carbide bits will, but they are a lot cheaper. Try Dale

Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Hand-made Bonsai Pots
Hartville, Ohio

 

[davetree]

I tried all the different bits until I got Dale's weasel bit. It cut like a hot knife through butter. By far the best I have ever tried.

 

[GrimLore]

Where do you send your bits off to sharpen them?

Grimmy

 

[bonhe]

I tried many types of burr. Finally I found those burrs which are the best! I have been using them for die grinder (1/4" shank) and Dremel (1/8" shanks) with different type: fine, coarse and extra coarse.
P/S: I used them on several large bonsai (pomegranate, olive, juniper, crepe myrtle).
This link shows what I use.http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/spheresaburrtoothcarbideburrs14shank.aspx
Any way, this store has very good price and customer service.
Bonhe

 

[bonsaibp]

Where do you send your bits off to sharpen them?

Grimmy

The structured carbide burrs and bits like in the link by Bonhe I've had for at least 7+ years have never been sharpened and still work fine. Once in awhile I take a torch and soft wire brush to them to clean the gunk out but thats it.

 

[Ris]

Get a hold of Dale Cochoy either by PM or on Facebook he'll have everything you could possiblly need.
The ones your looking at will take longer and not do half a good a job as structured carbide bits will, but they are a lot cheaper. Try Dale

Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Hand-made Bonsai Pots
Hartville, Ohio

Hi a Bob can you post a picture of that bit you use please
I bought a better grinder after Dario inquired about the smaller die grinder, and have also looked for bits that can cut those cali junipers hard wood I must say. A 2" wire wheel works cool but need a better option. Will look up Dale Cochoy for sure...
Ebay has a set with 6 flute blades similar to those posted, tried a few of those not so good and takes more time, may be with less blade the cuts can be faster but not so clean I guess will try out after buying a set.

 

[Dav4]

I use kutzall carbide bits...cuts like butter, cleans up with torch and wire brush ala bp

 

[Poink88]

Where do you send your bits off to sharpen them?

Grimmy

I think it is cheaper to replace the bit than have it "professionally" sharpened. Like what was said...carbide take very long to dull unless you abuse it. Likewise...very difficult to sharpen.

I've heard good things about the bit Bohne linked to.

The Weasel & Terrier (from Dale - a Kaizen/Graham Potter bit) should be great but on the pricey side. http://www.kaizenbonsai.com/shop/index.php?cPath=23_60

 

[bonsaibp]

Hi a Bob can you post a picture of that bit you use please
I bought a better grinder after Dario inquired about the smaller die grinder, and have also looked for bits that can cut those cali junipers hard wood I must say. A 2" wire wheel works cool but need a better option. Will look up Dale Cochoy for sure...
Ebay has a set with 6 flute blades similar to those posted, tried a few of those not so good and takes more time, may be with less blade the cuts can be faster but not so clean I guess will try out after buying a set.

I use many different ones depending on the situation.
Here is a link to a blog post that shows most of the arsenal.
http://bonsaibpsbonsaiblog-bonsai.blogspot.com/2011/10/large-juniper-project-part-3.html

 

[mcpesq817]

I have the Terrier - it's fantastic, well worth the money.

 

[berobinson82]

I use kutzall carbide bits...cuts like butter, cleans up with torch and wire brush ala bp

Can't find a link to this one anywhere. Can anyone else assist?

 

[Dav4]

Can't find a link to this one anywhere. Can anyone else assist?

You can order them direct or get them from resellers at Amazon, ebay, etc.
http://www.kutzall.com/kutzall_products.cfm

 

[berobinson82]

I have the Terrier - it's fantastic, well worth the money.

Did you get this directly from Kaizen?

 

[berobinson82]

You can order them direct or get them from resellers at Amazon, ebay, etc.
http://www.kutzall.com/kutzall_products.cfm

Is there a difference between the maroon and the silver color? I can only find the former and it does not say that wood is among the materials it is made to cut.

 

[Dav4]

Is there a difference between the maroon and the silver color? I can only find the former and it does not say that wood is among the materials it is made to cut.

These are wood carving bits, and the difference in color denotes the coarseness of the burr. Silver is coarser and removes more wood with each pass while maroon is finer.

 

[Paradox]

Hmmm didnt know this was such a loaded question...lol

Lots to think about and investigate.

How big around is this one? Do the come in different diameters. Seems to me that it might be useful to have different sizes for different sized trees/projects. Sorry if this is a stupid question.

I am not a total tool idiot and have used everything from table saws, hand saws, drill presses, drills and a router, but this is a bit out of my realm. Unfortunately my local Home Depot doesnt stock these things so everything has to be ordered online and I cant just go there and look at stuff myself.

I use kutzall carbide bits...cuts like butter, cleans up with torch and wire brush ala bp