Carving on a cylinder?

[r_jones]

I have a friend who would like me to carve his grandson's name on a drumstick. Being new to this I really have no idea how to go about it so I was looking for your input. Do I need an indexer? Could I do it with a 60 degree V-Carve bit? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ron

[myxpykalix]

depends on what direction you want to carve this.
If you just want to carve it down the long length of the drumstick you can carve it just like you would carve it on a flat surface as long as the letters are small enough. If you want to carve it arround the radius of the stick you would need to wrap the text and use a indexer.
you could use a 60 or 90 vbit. You probably would need to make some kind of jig to hold the stick.

[r_jones]

Thanks Jack
Yes, it would be carved down the length. Would the 90 Vbit give me better detail on the smaller letters?

[myxpykalix]

which ever one has the sharper point (not in front of my bits)

[butch]

Ron
I prefer 60deg bits on small letters and items. Gives a little more depth and seems to be a cleaner looking carve than 90's or 120s.
Butch

[carlosgmarroquin]

I had to make small logo engravings, And I went for laser engraving. Provided they have some way to hold the drumstick.

[rcnewcomb]

Ron,

Drum sticks are pretty small diameter. Two common sizes are:
7A drum stick is 0.630" diameter
2B drum stick is 0.540" diameter

You will either need an indexer or software such as Aspire or ArtCam that will let you project a V-carve toolpath on a 3D surface.

The indexer would probably yield better results for the size of material you are dealing with.

[r_jones]

Thanks guys for all the input.
The attached photo shows a 60 Vbit on a piece of 0.62 dowel. I don't think it looks too bad but... I was thinking if I used one of those Amana 18 degree fine carving Vbits I may get even better results?


8361

[rb99]

That looks pretty good.

I bet you could also flatten the engraved area first then engrave in the flat spot.

RIB

[rcnewcomb]

Ron,
Very well done indeed! How did you hold it?

[r_jones]

Richard, great thought
Not sure he will go for it but for in the future...

Randell - Here's a quick pic I shot, kinda ghetto but it worked. I actually use the wood trick often to keep work secure. It keeps a low profile, works pretty good and when (not if, lol) the bit hit's the board it's not a big deal.


8362

[myxpykalix]

Ron- what i would do is take a flat board that is as wide as your table and run a groove that your dowel/drumstick will ride in but make sure it is small enogh to hold the dowel snug and clamp the other side of the board to the table.

8363

[r_jones]

Funny once I looked at the picture I thought of cutting the groove. Clamping it on the other side is a great idea though. What I did worked for the test piece however I am not sure it's going to work for the drumstick. To play it safe I will most likley take you up on your ideas!

Thanks,
Ron