here is the latest project

[cowboy1296]

not sure. I would like to hear more from those that cut against the grain in the finishing tool path and how it worked out for them.

[scottp55]

Rick, Forgive for posting pics on your thread, but thought you might be interested?
Month ago, I simply didn't take anything for granted and was checking to see if 3D buttons 1.6X.9" were economically feasible for us.
3 30degree bits and identical toolpaths and last one was 1 pass/no roughing/against grain...and came out the best.
No sanding at all as these were for reference...DID give one on left a second pass at 2,2,17K as a single pass wasn't even similar in finish.(Note that Loon lost neck on left one going with the grain
Second pic is EXACTLY same toolpath/bit in top right as first.
Know it's not even relevant to your bigger stuff, but just in case.
Pleased you had such a pleasant surprise
Hope you don't mind.
scott

[cowboy1296]

you aint hi-jacked nothing. this is all about information and trading experiences and thanks for the posting.

[scottp55]

Thanks Rick,
Here's the 3 bits side by side on the same blank. Identical toolpathing/no sanding(just a stiff boar brush and 90psi)
Again, size is 1.6X.9X.22"
A BN just wasn't giving it to me in preview at this size, and wanted to skip roughing pass and sanding if possible(Northern shop has a heavy hand on sanding and detail disappears so may be ridiculous stepover, but results are more consistent).
Need to try flipping design 90degrees and see if neck survives higher feed if grain is supported.
VBit was the worse, and looking for a 2Flute engraving now with a .015"flat in 1/4"shank 30degree.
Do eventually want to do bigger, but at the moment it's buttons and 1/4" stock cribbage storage panel stuff.
Follow you guys so I'll have a clue when the time comes(Maybe
Need to try Arm-R-Seal too.
scott

[cowboy1296]

i got turned onto it here. It seals without turning the artwork an ugly amber. It does have a short shelf life though, but if you spray it with an inert gas it lasts longer.

[scottp55]

Thanks,
Saw you when you were searching for non-amber finish
May come in handy for Maple and Yellowheart when I finally get around to inlay with those woods!
How many coats on that one in the pic?

[Brian Harnett]

Looks great, finish and wood is perfect.

[cowboy1296]

there are people that run circles around me with my finishing but i have stumbled into a process that i am happy with. i use two coats of arm a seal on everything and wipe off the excess. then if i have letters that need staining i use a gel stain and brush it in to the letters. as i am wiping off the excess i am adding a thin coat on top of the arm a seal on the rest of the plaque. sometimes, especially with black walnut the arm a seal may make the project look like plastic. i then add a thin coat of dark jell stain all over and wipe off the excess, which is what i did with sheriffs plaque. now that said watch the gel stain peal off. I then put the 3rd and final coat of arm a seal all over the plaque.
Finishing 3-d has been a chore for me. The Taos plaque will get its 3rd coat of arm a seal tomorrow. The picture does not do the sheriff's plaque justice. It was presented tonight and everyone luved it.

[scottp55]

Thanks RicK!

[cowboy1296]

This is off topic but still 3-d. I just got a request to do something that has an England theme. I have no idea where to start, any suggestions.