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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    185

    X2 Mill used to engrave...how to??

    I tried to do some searching to not really find any answers but I am sure I overlooked something. So here is my question, I have a X2 mill and looking into making it CNC. One of the reasons for this is to engrave AR15 lowers. I have done some searching on Google but found nothing that hit me on how to do this. I hear that the spindle speed on the X2 is not fast enough to engrave. I have seen some add on routers folks have used also heard of a spindle upgrade. So anyone here have any ideas on best solution? What software do I need to do graphics etc... on a budget of course.

    THANKS

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    540

    Re: X2 Mill used to engrave...how to??

    Quote Originally Posted by truckeic View Post
    I hear that the spindle speed on the X2 is not fast enough to engrave.So anyone here have any ideas on best solution? What software do I need to do graphics etc... on a budget of course.

    THANKS
    Not true. A high speed spindle will work better and offer more flexibility, but you can engrave with a stock spindle. Especially for aluminum lowers like you mention. You'll just need to ensure the surface you want to engrave on is held perfectly flat on the table or fixture and the mill is trammed well. For AR lowers make a holding jig that mounts to your table for easy repeatability. Use a small end mill suited for your lettering size. Tiny/small ball or flat end mills will work just size it depending your line/font size/width needs. Also 60-90 degree v-bits work great especially if you are using software like v-carve or aspire and set your depth of cut very shallow. You don't need a high speed spindle to engrave. It's still just basically removing metal like any other milling operation. You only need a high speed spindle to do so fast. With a slower spindle, simply slow down your cut speed and reduce the depth of cut. Test speeds and depth of cut and find the best results for your design/fonts. Additionally I have used a diamond "drag" engraving bit in an X2 which worked well, but may not be deep enough (unless you make multiple passes) if your want to meet requirements for firearm serial number engraving etc. If you really want to go the high speed spindle route, smaller import spindles and VFDs are fairly reasonably priced (check Ebay) and would be simple to mount/use when needed without loosing use of your main spindle. You don't need a very powerful spindle for shallow engraving.

    There are a number of free cad and drawing programs available that would work for designs and will utilize any window font. Most will draw and import/export vector format graphics. Way too many options to list here. I'd suggest searching, reading and then reading some more.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    185

    Re: X2 Mill used to engrave...how to??

    Quote Originally Posted by coherent View Post
    Not true. A high speed spindle will work better and offer more flexibility, but you can engrave with a stock spindle. Especially for aluminum lowers like you mention. You'll just need to ensure the surface you want to engrave on is held perfectly flat on the table or fixture and the mill is trammed well. For AR lowers make a holding jig that mounts to your table for easy repeatability. Use a small end mill suited for your lettering size. Tiny/small ball or flat end mills will work just size it depending your line/font size/width needs. Also 60-90 degree v-bits work great especially if you are using software like v-carve or aspire and set your depth of cut very shallow. You don't need a high speed spindle to engrave. It's still just basically removing metal like any other milling operation. You only need a high speed spindle to do so fast. With a slower spindle, simply slow down your cut speed and reduce the depth of cut. Test speeds and depth of cut and find the best results for your design/fonts. Additionally I have used a diamond "drag" engraving bit in an X2 which worked well, but may not be deep enough (unless you make multiple passes) if your want to meet requirements for firearm serial number engraving etc. If you really want to go the high speed spindle route, smaller import spindles and VFDs are fairly reasonably priced (check Ebay) and would be simple to mount/use when needed without loosing use of your main spindle. You don't need a very powerful spindle for shallow engraving.

    There are a number of free cad and drawing programs available that would work for designs and will utilize any window font. Most will draw and import/export vector format graphics. Way too many options to list here. I'd suggest searching, reading and then reading some more.
    You suggest spindles on ebay what do i need to search for on ebay? Is this replacing the current spindle? Thanks for the info BTW

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    540

    Re: X2 Mill used to engrave...how to??

    Well, you'd search "spindle" and "VFD". or in the USA you can look on the Automation Technology web site. A china import will be about the lowest cost option.
    You can get either air or water cooled. Air is less hassles but will be a little nosier and run slightly hotter with extended use, otherwise no big difference in performance . The larger the spindle power the larger the collet and shaft of tool it can hold. For engraving bits that shouldn't be an issue and a smaller one that runs on 110v should work fine. If you have any inspirations of cutting other stuff or projects, I'd recommend getting a larger spindle that offers more flexibility than just engraving and light projects. Lots of info here on the forum. I'd suggest searching and reading.
    No you don't need to replace your mills spindle, just make a simple mount to attach an auxiliary high speed spindle. I can't tell you how on your specific machine, but some searching will provide ideas of how others have done so.

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