[Robert M]

I could exposed and have a debate on how I’ve plotted the toolpath strategy, but I think this time....it may be easier to ask what would be the best tool option & toolpath strategy for this type of “simple” work !!...as my end result is not satisfying at all...mostly with the small phone number part. !?!

Here's some info :
wood plaque size = 3 x 2.25
Font = Agency FB
#29 height = 1inch
phone number font height = 0.25

Any guidance & recommendations would help, as I’m commissioned to do over a hundred of those !!...

Thanks

[Mike 1948]

Here is the bit I use : Signmaking & Lettering Router Bits by Timberline
I assume the small numbers are not showing up well due to limited depth. You could try a "bold" number(see jpeg), or a 45 or 30 degree cutter. How about increasing the size of the numbers
A standard V carve toolpath should work.

Good Luck
Mike

[Robert M]

Thanks for your time MIKE....
Actually....not quite an issue this depth thing !
It's more a strategy thing, like....a combination from the font actually making it not as easy as some others and....the right tool for the font size, meaning, having a tool where it would make a clean cut.
I'd say ( thought I had even before posting this issue first) it'a a kind of situation I'm having where it would be instructive to have a few "verry experianced" Aspire users having an open discution about the possible strategy to use !
But...this will not happen in a virtual forum.....at least in a simple communicative fashion ;0))

here's a pic of what I'm having as what I call...not satisfying...issue !
done on a test cherry piece



What you see here is : On the left it was done with a 22.5° bit ( or 45° total) ( see here : CNC V Groove, Miter Fold & Signmaking Router Bits with Solid Carbide Insert Knives - Toolstoday.com - Industrial Quality CNC Bits
and on the left, using a smaller one, a 15° (or 30 total) like this one ( see RCK360 form the engraving V-bit selection : In-Grooveâ„¢ CNC Insert Engraving System -Toolstoday.com- Industrial Quality Engraving & Signmaking Insert Router Bits

As you can see....the result is fare from nice....I tend to say, mainly cauz of the font style combined with it's inpaired small size ( 0.250 hight)....witch BTW....is in BOLD format @_# !!

[ger21]

It's hard to tell from the pictures what the issue is. Are you looking for cleaner cuts?
What type of wood is this? Looks like a Luan or similar? Is it possible to seal the wood first? Sealing or finishing first will give much cleaner cuts.

I've never used an In_groove bit, but I don't think that it is the best choice.

Are you doing a V Carve with a flat bottom? For small letters, a 1/8" downcut might be a better choice.

[Robert M]

Hi Gerry, thanks for chipping in !!....always enjoy your comments and knowledge @_# !!
As said, this one is done on a cherry test piece !

It's always "possible" to seal 1st....if it's a solution.....Solution I've never tried before (for engraving), so may be worth a shot ?
As for In-Groove, it's new to me, in the past, only a few times, I've been using other insert type V-cutter holder such as the above link for the RC-1045 !
I tend to think thus far, the IN-Groove is not the issue...but more a code "18" !!

Agree as for a downcut mill may give a better output, but in this case, letters width are smaller, I would need say like a 1/16, witch is possible, but for over a 100pc....just to expensive and...time consuming in tool change I'd say ?!!

One of my question is: can there be a difference in ASPIRE toolpath output file if we chose the same tool ( say this RC-1045), but on one test, say I’ve custom plotted that tool as a V-carve tool and on another option I’ve plot the same tool as a engraving tool.
Would the end result ( output) be (should be) the same, if the parameters ( font selected and cutting strategy same) are equal ?


Just hopping to find a solution to minimize the fuzz and yield a better cut quality !
BTW...
As pointed, this test was on cherry, but the commission order is on various type ( exotic as domestic too )

PS...i'v spent many hrs trying to figure out a better output, and it's all worth it as it's a nice learning cure....not to say a must !!....but maybe, just maybe....i'm battling this for nothing and should sub it out to an laser etching / engraving since the letters are maybe just to small to be engraved by a woodCNC ??....questioning out loud ?!?....in my view, we (wood CNC users) should be able to do this ?!??

[Mike 1948]

Looks like you are doing a Vcarve with a flat bottom?? Using a Vbit with a 60 or 90 degree (with no flat pocket toolpath ) cut to full depth will give you a cleaner cut. That assumes a flat at the bottom is not a requirement.
What were your tool path parameters?
Added a picture of a Cribbage board done in pine with flat bottom and standard vcarve parameters with the cutter I suggested and had no issues like you are seeing.
Did you have a final pass step over in the tool for final cleanup?


Mike

[Mike 1948]

The more I look at your pics it almost looks like you were doing a regular "pocketing" and the tool was leaving scallops at the stepover point, Yes , No??

Mike

[Robert M]

Mike...

In the V-carve test setup, no...no flat bottom, but yes when I test in "engrave" tool set up !
As for flat bottom, no need from the client, not required.
Tried it with a 90° total angle, but it seem to be "to wide" for the small letters.....but perfect for the bigger # 29 !!

As for parameters, a screen shot tells more.....

[Robert M]

The more I look at your pics it almost looks like you were doing a regular "pocketing" and the tool was leaving scallops at the stepover point, Yes , No??

Mike

NOp...

[Robert M]

I though you may enjoy my finding with quite a satisfying final output !
I owe this forum this at least !!

Finally, I've set it up with a 60° V-carve tool.
The setting are : Attachment 310676

and the output....which I'm pleased with ... Attachment 310678

Thanks Mike, Gerry