[bsimages]

I just completed two rail sweep for a walking stick. It starts as 0.8" round tapers 1.25" then to a hexagon back 1.25" round and then 0.8" again. I then V-carved the Serenity Prayer onto three of the flat sides (every other facet). I also V-carved text around the tapered round part. I started out with a 2"x2" (1.5"x1.5") I used a 0.25 end mill to cut it into a 1.25" dowel and then into the finished piece. I used a 45 degree V-bit to cut the text.
Aspire's possibilities continue to amaze me!

[kiwichris]

Wow... Very cool!

For a 4th axis job like that was the work supported to cut it? I don't have a rotary axis but it seems like quite a thin work piece to me.

[bsimages]

No supports. I just kept the cutting depth shallow (more passes). I used to have that problem with softwoods if I cut too aggressively. I found that by cutting less aggressively I had less sanding to do too...