PDA

View Full Version : Two fireplace mantels



dlcw
04-24-2010, 04:18 PM
We just finished these fireplace mantels and showed them at a recent builders show. Show goers were amazed that these could be done and many were interested in having one made for them.

The mantels use the Vector Arts 3D Ranch Scene. The deer mantel scene was modified by adding a cougar into the scene and is made from Alder. The ranch scene was made from hickory.

Once CNC carving was done the mantels went under the hand chisels for about 2 hours apiece for undercutting and cleaning up the CNC carving. After carving and sanding gel stains were used to add some color variation to the scenes.

I apologize that the pictures had to be so small. Forum rules of no bigger then 620 pixels in width.

thewoodcrafter
04-24-2010, 05:54 PM
Really nice Don.

I like them.

jsooter
04-25-2010, 02:51 AM
Nice Job! What bits and program did you use?

coach
04-25-2010, 12:05 PM
Don, very nice job.

I will also await what software you used.

dlcw
04-25-2010, 01:31 PM
Thank you all for the kind comments.

I used VA3D models and Aspire for all the modeling/carving work. Overall mantel design was with TurboCAD.

Roughing pass was done with a 1/2" ballnose at 10K RPM and 4ipm feedrate. Finishing pass was first a 1/8" ballnose with 15% stepover running cross grain at 10K RPM at 4ipm feed. Final finishing pass was a 1/8" ballnose with 6% stepover running with the grain at 10K RPM at 4ipm. The final finish was virtually ready to finish except I did some hand chiseling to undercut some of the carving to give it more 3D dimension. About 13 hours of machine time.

blackhawk
04-26-2010, 10:12 AM
Don - I was just wondering about your method on the two finish passes. You had one going cross grain and then the final one going with the grain at a smaller stepover. Does the 1st cross grain finish pass gain you more detail or a better finish?

dlcw
04-26-2010, 11:00 AM
Brad,

Yes, the double pass method gives me a finish that requires almost no sanding. The final pass makes any tool marks go with the grain so they are virtually invisible.

jsooter
04-27-2010, 01:16 AM
Thanks for the great info. That is really helpful for future projects!

loriny
04-28-2010, 09:28 PM
Very nice Don.
Lorin