First attempt at acrylic sign

[Xray]

Most guys get sheets and cut them to size with a table saw. Can be cut on CNC as well but thats a bit awkward and unnecessary, unless you don't have a table say. Buying a sheet [say 4x4'] is cheaper and allows you to do custom sizes anytime you like, though it is good to fall in a grove and just do a few sizes. I tend to do mostly 10x10" though I have done larger and smaller using both 3/8 and 1/4, not to mention plexi mirror.
Might pay to look around locally for a plexiglass supplier, may have one and not even know it.
Far as lighting its pretty simple to make the bases and install the lighting but of course you must have all the pieces in place, unfortunately you can't walk into radio shack and get what you need, all pretty much online.
There are threads here concerning that, here is another at vectric including base design and sources for material http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?t=17065

For example LED's you would be looking for this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121058740608...84.m1439.l2649
Single color http://www.coolerguys.com/ledstrip.html
controllers http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-44Key-I...p/360618870301
plugs http://www.ebay.com/itm/190829646956...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Steve Wonser]

Jeff & Doug thanks for the information! I should be ready to give this a try pretty soon. My drag bit and acrylic should arrive in a week or so. The LEDs, power supplies and controllers are probably on a slow boat from China, but I won't need them for a while anyway. I'm hoping to make some stuff for Christmas presents so I have some time.

Can you guys let me know the settings you are using for the drag bit on acrylic? I have a ShopBot Desktop and the VCarve Pro software they provide with it.

Thanks,
Steve

[Xray]

Plug guy is USA based if you ordered from my link, unfortunately not many US options for the rest.
Myself, there is a tool to chose from called "engrave", I chose that and pretty much go with the defaults. Vbit works too [of course no power is applied with drag bits]. To actually chose a drag bit you have to use quick engrave feature, since I prefer standard pockets I never use it.

[Steve Wonser]

I forgot one more thing, that is how do I zero the bit if it doesn't conduct current because of the diamond?

Here is a link to a KickStarter project called "BULBING: a Magical Lamp Design | Light up your life!" that my son just sent me. The key to these designs are the 3D look of a wire frame drawing, otherwise they are exactly what you guys are doing. Here is the link:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...t-up-your-life

[Xray]

Easy, I just lower it to the material in a place that will be out of view/scrap and just slowly lower it until it compresses a bit then zero it there.
Some guys use a slip of paper under the bit, when the paper will no longer move because of pressure from the bit zero it there.

I have become so used to doing this that I haven't used my zero plate in months, diamond bit or not.

[POPS 64]

Some B-day gifts from the shop today. Jeff

[genek]

very nice work..

[Steve Wonser]

Looking good Jeff! Thanks for the inspiration.

[kurt_rose]

Just curious. When using the diamond drag knife what diameter tool are you guys imputing when toolpathing?

[Xray]

Drag bit, not knife.

I use the "engrave" tool found in vectric tool database, have used vbit as well, playing around with a few settings.