Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
If your CNC cuts look rough, it’s probably not your machine… it’s your bit. Upcut vs downcut is one of the biggest things beginners get wrong. One gives you a clean top, the other gives you a clean bottom… and if you pick the wrong one, you’re guaranteed tearout somewhere.
This test is about as harsh as it gets. Baltic birch, cross grain, full cut through. The differences are obvious.
Use the right bit for the surface that matters the most. Check out the tools used on our website -
Amana Tool 1/4" Downcut Bit, item no. 46202-K - toolstoday.com/v-13779-46202-k-bit.html
Amana Tool 1/4" Upcut Bit, item no. 46315-K - toolstoday.com/v-13780-46315-k.html
Shapeoko 5.1 Pro CNC Machine, item no. S5 - toolstoday.com/carbide-3d-shapeoko-5-pro-cnc-router-machine.html
If your CNC cuts look rough, it’s probably not your machine… it’s your bit. Upcut vs downcut is one of the biggest things beginners get wrong. One gives you a clean top, the other gives you a clean bottom… and if you pick the wrong one, you’re guaranteed tearout somewhere.
This test is about as harsh as it gets. Baltic birch, cross grain, full cut through. The differences are obvious.
Use the right bit for the surface that matters the most. Check out the tools used on our website -
Amana Tool 1/4" Downcut Bit, item no. 46202-K - toolstoday.com/v-13779-46202-k-bit.html
Amana Tool 1/4" Upcut Bit, item no. 46315-K - toolstoday.com/v-13780-46315-k.html
Shapeoko 5.1 Pro CNC Machine, item no. S5 - toolstoday.com/carbide-3d-shapeoko-5-pro-cnc-router-machine.html
