Using Point Roundover Bits

Point roundover bits provide CNC users the flexibility to add a roundover detail to a project in the same way that traditional router users can. The innovative design of point roundover bits provides the ability to follow along in a narrow CNC tool path. This is different from traditional roundover bits used in handheld routers and router tables that utilize a bearing to follow the edge of the work piece. Those bearings would not typically fit in a typical cut path.

Point roundover bits have many applications, allowing users to create detailed lettering and well as miscellaneous project parts that require rounded edges. Without the availability of point roundover bits, users would have to follow up the CNC cutting with a manual roundover operation that would be time-intensive, less accurate, and would lower the profitability of a job.

To utilize point roundover bits in your CNC project, do the following:

Locate the point roundover bits within your Tool Library. If the bit isn’t present in your Tool Library, you can likely find a profile on the manufacturer’s web site that can be imported into VCarve Pro. Once it’s in the VCarve Pro Tool Library, select the point roundover bit that has the correct radius profile for your project.

Specify the cutting parameters. Determine settings such as starting depth, cut depth, cut path and direction, and any other applicable parameters that your instructor George describes to achieve the best final result.

Check your tool path. Determine that the roundover effect is being milled as you want. Making any modifications in the software before running your job in wood.

Run the job. After everything looks good in VCarve Pro, run the job in actual wood.

Point roundover bits improve the capabilities of a CNC, allowing you to take on a wider range of projects.