V Groove....LARGE

[sevans]

Hello everyone. I am looking at a job that would require V grooving 18" high letters. Any thoughts on how to go about machining such large areas? My bits won't go the depth required. Is there a bit that will do this? Many thanks!

[sevans]

PS. My preview shows that my largest bit can cut it...although the cutter's max depth is less...is this safe to try?

[Brady Watson]

Sarah,
The larger the letter, the larger the angle of the V-bit should be. See if this helps you out: V-Bit Recipe (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showpost.php?p=115118&postcount=7)

-B

[sevans]

Thanks Brady. Question. If the bit max depth is .205" and the depth of the V Groove is .375", will it still make the cut properly? I know this may sound silly, but I've never cut letters this big and am moving forward to quote the job. Thanks so much for your help on this.

[Brady Watson]

Yes - It should. Your best bet would be to run a simulation in software before doing the actual cutting. Make sure your cutter properties match the cutter that you are going to be using. Cut one letter in pink insulation foam before you get into the expensive stuff to verify that it is going to work as you planned.

Also, you want the largest diameter v-bit you can get your hands on for doing those large letters. I like something in the 1.5 to 2" diameter range. This will increase your max depth on the bit and minimize any stepover marks caused by using too small of a diameter bit on the finishing pass.

-B

[steve_g]

http://www.magnate.net/index.cfm?event=showProductGroup&theID=117

Big V-bits

[blackhawk]

Sarah - You can cut .375 deep with your .205 depth V cutter, since you are cutting on an angle. When v-carving, the cutter will be stepping down along the angle of the sides. You may see some step marks but it will work fine. Just be sure to set you depth of cut to .205 or less.

[sevans]

Many thanks to you all for your support!:)