Buddy standard -non alpha

[Davo]

How well does the standard perform at 3D vs the alpha series

Pros/cons?

Since I'm looking to downgrade I was curious what I'm looking at losing

Most of my current speeds run 2ips so if it perform as at that I'm good

I'm purchasing a laser so basically the Cnc machine will be used for cutting shapes out... That's about it.

[mwpfeifer]

I have the BT-48 Std with spindle and 3D is what I do most. Unless the wood is exceptionally hard most if not all of my finish cuts are at 2 -2.5 ips. the cutter diameter and stepover percentage are probably the most critical to getting a smooth and well detailed end result.
Mike

[Brady Watson]

Unless you want the machine to do heavy cutting with the PowerStick extension, the Standard is more than adequate for most things. You can cut anything the Alpha will, albeit a little slower in certain situations. The only thing you are giving up is some extra power and speed, which you probably won't be able to take advantage of in a 24x32 or 48" space.

-B

[cowboy1296]

I have never owned anything but a buddy standard. But these were all cut with mine and i do primarily 3-dhttp://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25132&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25133&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25134&stc=1

[Davo]

Is that police badge 100% 3D finished for the letters or are you using a different bit?

Flawless and awesome work

[cowboy1296]

thanks and its all 3-d. one bit used for the entire finishing process.

Being the operator i know where all of the flaws are but i will never tell.

[cowboy1296]

since you are in Houston, which is where i spent most of my adult life, here are a few more.http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25209&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25210&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25211&stc=1

[Davo]

What's the finishing process?

[cowboy1296]

I have tried so many different things. What i am happy with now,http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25212&stc=1 I seal the plaque with two coats of General Finishes Arm-a-Seal, semi gloss. Then i color the letters with gel stain, which leaves a certain amount of color on top of the Arm-a-seal. Then a third coat of arm-a-seal. Here is one that i am working on now which is cut in alder. It still has the 3rd coat to go.

[Davo]

Extremely impressive

How's the gel stain method work, do you rub it in and wipe it off of the outside of the letter so it doesn't stain the rest?

What types of wood are these?

[myxpykalix]

Excellent work along with the finishing is great!

[cowboy1296]

i brush on a generous amount of gel stain into the letters and then wipe off the excess. sometimes it is necessary to use a dampened rag in mineral spirits to assist in wiping off the excess. black walnut, alder and the coat rack above is cherry.

[Davo]

This has motivated me to get my work to this level

[cowboy1296]

thanks. But trust me there are some who i still rely on for help, one of which i am sure is reading this thread.

what part of Houston are you in? And if you are typing then i can only guess that you are still above water.

[Davo]

I'm down in the Kemah area, flooding wasnt an issue here in this area

[cowboy1296]

I grew up in Hitchcock, but that was a life time ago.