What's your angle?

[Pete M]

When cutting a Vcarve inlay on the Bot, why would I chuse a 60 deg cutter or a 90 deg? Is one better than the other?

[steve_g]

Pete
When V-carving, you’re carving between vectors, the project is exactly the same at the surface of the material. Using a 60 instead of a 90 only means you’re cutting deeper to get to the same vectors. Deeper can give you better/more shadows, it can also mean you are going too deep for the material you’re using, ie all the way through!
I often like to use a 60 when appropriate because my 3 flute CMT bits come to a true point, giving cleaner cuts.
If I’ve confused you with my quick explanation, tell me and I’ll look up some illustrations I’ve used in the past…
SG

[Gary Campbell]

Pete...
The attached should give you an idea of the relationship between vector width and the depth of a given bit. Some license was taken depths are not exact.

[Pete M]

I was talking mainly about the inlay technique using VCarve. Is there an advantage/disadvantage with the steeper angle?

[scottp55]

Pete,
The steeper angle means it gets deeper faster. Therefore you can sand a little more without losing fine details or modifying the shape on the VInlay.
A bunch of Vectric guys are using 30's now with good results(although I'm still using a 60).
Remember, Paul Z recommends cutting each toolpath twice to eliminate ANY fuzzies and deflection, and to leave clamped 24 hours, and to finish it within the same day if possible as the male will change size faster than the female with humidity.
Lots of fun!
scott

[Pete M]

Thanks, that's what I wanted to know. I am going with the 60.

[scottp55]

Pete,
Got a lot of expert help when I asked for it on the Vectric Forum before delving into it in this thread;
http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?t=20529
Careful...it's addictive:)
scott

[paul_z]

Pete,

Use the sharpest bit that you can. It seems to minimize the fuzzies while also minimizing chipout.

Paul Z

[Pete M]

I used the sharpest cutter I could, (still have trouble calling an endmill a bit) the only one I have, but it is a
Pretty sharp. We are now in the glueing stage. If you are the Sir Paul who invented this tecnique. I tip my hat.

[scottp55]

+1 on the hat tipping Paul! :)