john_l
02-25-2007, 05:47 PM
Hi to all,
I have a collection of old pinball machines and for my first real sign project I decided to make an arcade sign for a bare wall near my machines. I just setup and ran the following files I created on my prt standard (after converting to shopbot files).
I cut the design out of 3/4" MDF with a 1/4" up cut spiral. The x and y speeds, plunge speed, v-carve depths, all seemed "about" right to me. I felt it was finished pretty quick.. it took about 1.25 hours even with tool changes to run it all and make a really great looking sign.
My observations... The finished piece required a little hand sanding along all of the edges of the outer profile and the pocket edges. I assume this may be from using an UPspiral instead of a DOWNspiral bit?
I also noticed that the side walls of the Vcarved areas needed a little hand sanding work. Maybe the stepover needed adjustment? I dunno.
I noticed the Z plunge movements on the vcarving seemed a little too brave (it plunged deep right away)... my spindle didnt hesitate keeping up, I just didnt expect it to take so much at first like that. Are there any problems with this?
I am extremely impressed, and pleased with the results of this. I plan to make several signs out of MDF like this and I'd just like to know if anyone advises changing the tool specs from what I have used here (vcarve defaults)?
I have a collection of old pinball machines and for my first real sign project I decided to make an arcade sign for a bare wall near my machines. I just setup and ran the following files I created on my prt standard (after converting to shopbot files).
I cut the design out of 3/4" MDF with a 1/4" up cut spiral. The x and y speeds, plunge speed, v-carve depths, all seemed "about" right to me. I felt it was finished pretty quick.. it took about 1.25 hours even with tool changes to run it all and make a really great looking sign.
My observations... The finished piece required a little hand sanding along all of the edges of the outer profile and the pocket edges. I assume this may be from using an UPspiral instead of a DOWNspiral bit?
I also noticed that the side walls of the Vcarved areas needed a little hand sanding work. Maybe the stepover needed adjustment? I dunno.
I noticed the Z plunge movements on the vcarving seemed a little too brave (it plunged deep right away)... my spindle didnt hesitate keeping up, I just didnt expect it to take so much at first like that. Are there any problems with this?
I am extremely impressed, and pleased with the results of this. I plan to make several signs out of MDF like this and I'd just like to know if anyone advises changing the tool specs from what I have used here (vcarve defaults)?