# Which bits to use, X-Carve or after market **URL:** \ **Category:** X-Carve\ **Created:** [September 12, 2021, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131 "2021-09-12T16:43:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DuaneHeda](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/duaneheda/32/84480_2.png) [@DuaneHeda](https://community.inventables.com/u/DuaneHeda)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2021, 4:43pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/1 "2021-09-12T16:43:00Z")
I ordered my x-carve a couple of days ago and was wondering if I should stick with the x-carve bits or will after market work just s good. I noticed all of the x-carve bits have color coded rings, important?? I also see there is a set for newbies. Maybe go that route till I learn what I’m doing?? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![SethCNC](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/sethcnc/32/87515_2.png) [@SethCNC](https://community.inventables.com/u/SethCNC)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2021, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/2 "2021-09-12T18:23:54Z")
The plastic color rings are to make it simple for a novice user to be able to tell them apart & do not effect operation. 3rd part bits will work perfectly, in most cases the more expensive ones have a coating that can extend the cutter edge lifespan by 10-25%. This is my favorite bit and the most expensive one I own… [https://amzn.to/2X9KrNt](https://amzn.to/2X9KrNt) And my favorite super inexpensive bit for cutting… (with it’s 22mm cut length its perfect for 3/4" stock) [https://amzn.to/3lkLEtE](https://amzn.to/3lkLEtE) & Here’s both in action: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/VE-l7JwAXho/maxresdefault.jpg "Simple Vbit Sign #shorts") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE-l7JwAXho) ---
**Author:** ![ArmenMcnerlin](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/armenmcnerlin/32/84213_2.png) [@ArmenMcnerlin](https://community.inventables.com/u/ArmenMcnerlin)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/3 "2021-09-12T19:50:03Z")
I have been using an Amana 3 fluted 1/4 inch shaft 60 degree v-bit with good success. I also have an Amana 1/4" shaft 30 degree bit I haven’t used yet, will be soon. ---
**Author:** ![DuaneHeda](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/duaneheda/32/84480_2.png) [@DuaneHeda](https://community.inventables.com/u/DuaneHeda)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2021, 3:43pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/4 "2021-09-13T15:43:11Z")
Thank you Seth. You saved me a lot of head scratching. Hope you don’t get tired of me and my questions because I’m sure there will be more after I get my machine! ---
**Author:** ![DuaneHeda](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/duaneheda/32/84480_2.png) [@DuaneHeda](https://community.inventables.com/u/DuaneHeda)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/5 "2021-09-13T15:44:42Z")
Thank you ArmenMcnerlin. Will take a look at it. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/system/32/67217_2.png) [@system](https://community.inventables.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/which-bits-to-use-x-carve-or-after-market/122131/6 "2021-12-12T15:45:13Z")
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