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Thread: Engraving Material

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
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    5

    Default Engraving Material

    We are new to the Shopbot CNC world and are trying to route Rowmark engraving material. The results are not acceptable due to tooling marks. We are using an 1/8" end mill with slow feed rates ( 20 inches per min), moderate router speeds ( 14,000 rpm) and cutting depth of .02. The tooling marks are not everywhere but appear on certain letters inconsistently.

    Any thoughts on how to achieve a cleaner end product?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Springfield Mo
    Posts
    851

    Default photo ?

    Do you have a photo?

    With plastic, the bit manufacturer might be your best bet on information on the feeds & speeds.

    Does it clean up if you run the file twice ? / maybe add few 1000ths on the second pass ?
    The decimal point seems to be the most important on the z axis... x & y not so much....
    ShopBot... Where even the scraps and things you mess up and throw away are cool....

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    Hobby-Tronics, Chiloquin Oregon
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    1,356

    Default

    I do a ton of little name plates / badges, etc. I have never used an end mill, always some form of ENGRAVING bit. Russ

    Attached Images Attached Images
    AKA: Da Train Guy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Thanks for your advice. I purchased an engraving bit and will let you know how that works. i appreciate the guidance.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    Hobby-Tronics, Chiloquin Oregon
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    Default

    I should also add for larger plaques / signs if there is going to be a large 'pocket' area I use two tool paths. First I use the 'tapered' engrave bit to 'outline' the pocket, and then you can use an end mill to do the pocket. This is because you have already relieved the edge of the pocket. I hope that makes sense! Russ
    AKA: Da Train Guy

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
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    4,419

    Default

    TJ oftened mentioned these bits designed for color core with high praise;
    https://www.centuriontools.com/collections/engraving
    Never personally used them, just thought I'd mention them.
    scott
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
    Maine

  7. #7
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    Jan 2008
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    Default

    Yep. that's the beastie's! Russ
    AKA: Da Train Guy

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Blaine Mn
    Posts
    340

    Default

    I use a lot of Gemini Duets material and they have mostly material for laser engraving which I use but also have different material for machine engraving. Not sure the difference but there must be?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Radford VA
    Posts
    613

    Default

    I have engraved with the Rowmark. You need to triple your feed to 60ips. If you have large areas to clear, try using one of the flat bottom endmills from Centurion. https://www.centuriontools.com/colle.../downshear-fem
    PRT Alpha with 7.2 upgrade, indexer, and PC router

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