Solid Carbide Milling Tools
Solid carbide milling tools, such as those used in CNC machines, have very sharp, fluted cutting edges. In order for these tools to work properly, a carbide edge must remain sharp, and free of nicks or gouges. Carbide steel is very strong yet at the same time very brittle. If the cutting edges on these solid carbide tools get knocked against other metal tools, they could chip. To protect carbide tools, machinists often make a wood box, which is specially designed to hold their bits and tools. Some router bit and rotary tool kits are sold in protective boxes. In this case, carpenters and machinists are wise to keep the boxes to protect their investment.
Carbide Tipped Router Bits
Carbide tipped router blades are more than twice the retail price of high-speed steel router blades. Carbide tipped router blades last much longer, and for the workman who uses these tools often, the increased price is a wise investment. Most extensive carbide tipped router bits are sold in a reusable plastic container, similar to prescription medicine bottle. Carpenters should retain these plastic containers, and store their router bits in the plastic tubes between uses.
Carbide Tipped Saw Blades
The problem that exists with carbide cutters and router bits usually is not a problem with carbide tipped saw blades. The saw blade remains attached to the circular saw or power equipment. As a result, neither the saw blade nor the user are in danger because the circular saw features a blade guard which fully covers the blade when it is not in use. Saw blades which are not attached to equipment should be stored in a carpenters shop until needed. Carpenters often put a screw into the wall of their shop, and hang their blades until needed.
Rubber Plastic Coating
Solid carbide CNC cutting tools, solid carbide router bits, and many higher priced carbide tipped router bits are dipped in semi-pliable plastic before they are packaged and sold. The plastic forms a protective covering on the cutting edges which protect the tool from damage and the user from injury when first installing the tool. A similar product, called Plastidip, is available for DIY machinists and carpenters. Blades and bits can be dipped into the brightly colored plastic compound, which forms a protective seal on the tool. If the tool is sprayed with WD-40 or a similar all purpose lubricant before being coated with Plastidip, the coating will peel off the tool easily.
