First attempt at acrylic sign

[POPS 64]

New acrylic for my wife. Jeff

[t_vandemark]

Wow, that looks extremely crisp. Good job, i like it.

[Steve Wonser]

Jeff your pieces are awesome! I'm really new to CNC, but I really want to try it. From what I have read from you and others a diamond drag bit is the way to go. Can you share where you got yours?

Thanks,
Steve

[POPS 64]

Steve , the bit is from Ebay , 1/4" Dia. Diamond Drag Engraving Bit,
stainless body , Taig , Sherline , Cnc mini mill $79.00 seller BD Tools
Yes this is a excellent bit I really don't see the other bits at close to $200.00 doing any better job . And they sell replacement tips . You get one let me know if you need any info and check estreetplastics.com for material if there's nothing around you. Well here's a couple from today. Jeff

[scottp55]

Darn Jeff, Just as you were getting into Craftsman Style---You go and get hooked on acrylic Great work!
Your Indian reminds me of my Grandfather. Indian was a swear word, and his first Harley was on display in his Harley shop(Schott's) and had wooden wheels, a slung leather saddle on springs, and one lung. He used to tell of going from Lewiston to Boston in 1 day!!! "No problem. Once you get to Portland....TAR ROADS ALL THE WAY!!"

[POPS 64]

Ya Scott this acrylic is addicting , I have a stack of the quarter sawn oak looking at me . Once the snow flies I'am thinking a craftsman clock just need to find a design I like . Jeff

[Herb Holmes]

Steve , the bit is from Ebay , 1/4" Dia. Diamond Drag Engraving Bit,
stainless body , Taig , Sherline , Cnc mini mill $79.00 seller BD Tools
Yes this is a excellent bit I really don't see the other bits at close to $200.00 doing any better job . And they sell replacement tips . You get one let me know if you need any info and check estreetplastics.com for material if there's nothing around you.

I have one of BD tools Dia. Drag bits , and agree they are good bits at a good price , estreetplastics are good for supplies too .

[POPS 64]

Nice work ,clocks look great. Jeff

[Steve Wonser]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the information!

I just ordered one of the diamond drag bits from BD Tools. Then I headed over to estreetplastics to order some 3/8" cast acrylic, but then couldn't decide what size to get.

What typical sizes are you using? Are you cutting down larger sizes?

How are you lighting them. From what I've read it seems like LEDs are commonly used. Can you share what you like to use and any sources you might have?

Thanks again,
Steve

[POPS 64]

Steve , I started out making 6" x 6" , now I mostly make 8" x 8" , but now I'am set up to do anything from 4" x 6" to 12" x 12" on the hold down jig I made so I don't need my vacuum table anymore. With etching for the cost I stick with 1/4" acrylic really the thicker stuff is for doing 3-D but it's mostly preference . And for 3-D you need aspire and I don't have it yet. Led's are the way to go for lighting and there's no better price than ebay. I've checked everywhere and you can't beat China's prices. And they are very simple to work with , you can buy connectors for everything or if your comfortable with soldering you can go that route . And for the wall transformers watch for the bundles the best deal is 12 for $37.00 that is a steal. And stay away from the waterproof led's , And I get the 60 light a meter not the 30 , And I use the 3528
led's . Then you either order single color's or rgb's with remotes for color changing . Jeff