First sign- need suggestions/help

[awalt1250]

I'm still pretty new in terms of CNC and running a Shopbot. I tried to cut a logo into a piece of acrylic and the results were not what I was hoping for. See the attached picture.

My main concern are the tool marks and ridges that it leaves in the plastic. I was using a 1/4" up cut spiral bit running at 14,000 rpm doing pocketing. I'm sure it is a matter or trial and error, the right bit, etc.

Does anyone have a suggestion on where to start? It almost looks like the plastic was being machined instead of being routed.

[Bob Eustace]

Acrylic is not a good material to start on Andy! First up make sure you have the "cast" grade as it is simply the best. I know this is a cop out but vee carving works brilliantly and really looks good. You can edge light it for a stunning effect as well. I suggest you rework the graphic to have more lines and forget about pockets. Vectric have some superb tutorials on graphics and TJ also covers this quite well.