New Drag Knife

[jerry_stanek]

I have the widgetworks diamond drag tool and use it to etch mirrors and metal objects by just dragging it across the surface on spindle on

[8Ball]

Tormach has one for $110 less at $69. The problem is it has a 3/4" shaft and my router won't accommodate that diameter.
I have found a few others for less than $100 and I've even considered making my own. It would just be simpler to purchase one at this time.

Some of the drag tools say they can be rotated while cutting, but most do not recommend it. I don't believe rotating a diamond will result in any better cut than dragging it across the surface.
There are a lot of videos showing the drag cut and it is very sharp and detailed.

[joe]

I'm impressed with the Cosmos tool. If I were you I'd give it a try. I'd bet they would gladly be willing to give you a refund if it didn't do what they are saying.

What kind of work are you doing? What kind of masking material are you needing to cut? I'd bet there are guys on this forum who could give advice.

Here's a most important question. Will it make you money? If so, it's nickels and dimes. I've had several custom made costing more. And as everyone knows bits can quickly loose their edge.


Attached is a photo of a panel with rubber sandblast mask. When blasting hardwood like this Yellow Pine it's necessary to have a tough mask. We apply the mask directly and cut it on the wood. I like cutting the resist a little extra deep.

[Cosmos275]

These are two very different products. Diamond engraving and a drag knife like mine are for very different things.

A typical Drag Knife like mine adds capability to your machine. You can slice up gaskets, cardboard, cardstock and the like easily that would be very time consuming and difficult with an end mill. If you want to do super fine very shallow cuts, it's not the optimal tool, and there are some smaller ones out there like widgets, but those won't do any sort of thickness. If you want to make vinyl signs, you're better off buying a vinyl cutting machine.

If you want, I can design a spring loaded holder for a Dremel 9929 bit (diamond engraving). I can easily beat widget's price. info@cosmos-industrial.com

[Davo]

What causes the lines going across?

[joe]

Davo,

Are you not familiar with Sandblasted Signs?

This one was made several years ago. It's back in the shop for a repaint. The wood has help up well.

With the last post Cosmos has informed us about the optimal products to cut with his tool. I'm in full agreement about cutting vinyl. A plotter is a much preferred method however for cutting thicker products like stencil materials his knife will do a better job. Not too sure about SB mask. That material has always been more difficult.

[Cosmos275]

I was sent some sandblast material. I will cut here in the next day or two and report on it. I think it will be easy. The gasket material I cut seems just as tough.

I think Dave is asking about the wavy texture you have cut into the background.

[Davo]

Yea I have zero clue about sandblasting but wouldn't mind learning

But was curious about the wave background pattern and how that's accomplished

[joe]

OK, Here's a quick description.

I didn't carve the wavy grain. That a function of choosing the wood. The boards are chosen for their vertical grain. The sandblasting takes out the soft wood, leaving the wood grain standing. The thing about cutting SB mask is it's stiffness. During the winter, because it's rubber, you will have to make more than one slow pass. For that reason I apply the mask directly to the wood and then cut it.

Sandblasting isn't anything you guys will end up doing. It' dangerous, time consuming and not worth the effort. That work should be farmed out.

[Cosmos275]

Cut some sand blast mask. This was Anchor 1.1mm sand blast mask. It cut easily, one pass, maybe 60 degrees in the shop.
sand_blast_sm.jpg