Originally Posted by
bradywatson
Josh - Engraving is very different from V-carving, even though PartWorks calls V-carving a V-carve/Engraving toolpath.
Generally speaking within the context of your application, engraving is typically very shallow, with a max depth of maybe .08" deep. The bit you show in your pic, is suited to shallow centerline/single stroke engraving only using an 'ON' profile toolpath. If you push it deeper than that it will snap.
V-carving is typically much deeper, and v-carving in AL is tricky because of the geometry of the bit itself. V-bits don't really cut on the very tip, they drag, so if you go at it like wood, you'll really be hammering that bit. It is not impossible to v-carve AL, but you really have to be conservative with stepdowns and plan your cuts...and even think outside the box a little.
The examples that you show on page 1 of this thread appear to be pocketed out using a pocketing toolpath strategy. What happened to this? It will be the least amount of aggrivation compared to v-carving. Shallow engraving would be the easiest with the engraving bit you show - although I am partial to Micro100 for engraving tools as they are really tough, have shorter flute lengths and hold up really well in non-ferrous metals.
-B