BITS BITS BITS ???

[craig]

I just order my SB and I have some questions about the bits I will be needing. What kind and size bits will I need for cutting ply or hardwoods. And for engraving the same question applies. Thanks

[rgengrave@aol.com]

straight bits 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 3/4 1" straight bits.

Ball ends 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 3/4 1

45 degree, 60 degree, 90 degree

Use a 3/8 to 1/2 straitht bit to cut 1/2 and up panels.

1/16 to 3/8 to cut 1/2 or less.

and any bit above to engrave.

This is what I use and I have not burned any bits, make sure you get solid carbine bits.

[twiles]

What are the best bits and software / machine settings to do engraving of raster images and detailed carving??

[rgengrave@aol.com]

Terry you will not be able to do Raster images unless you convert them to Vector, go to the server and download the programs for Raster to Vector.

Look at how to trace an image too.

For fine detail work? you can use the tip od a 45 degree bit, with a cut of -.04

When using router bits it depends on what you want it to look like.

[twiles]

I know that I will have to convert them to vector, I was just looking at the samples that shopbot has on their web-site that show some pretty intricate carving that does not "appear" to have been carved with the back-and-forth motion of a v-cutter.....and am wondering what bits people use to do such detailed work. If I do some really nice carving, I was wondering if people are using small (1/8" or less) straight bits, v-bits, end mills or a combination of the above to get the best quality output.

TW

[alton]

Terry,

If you are talking about the 3d carvings on Shopbots main page, these are not raster images.
They are digitized from 3d cad models(or generated by the 3d probe). You have to start with a 3d mesh, then import it into a program like Mill Wizard or Stlwork to generate a 3d toolpath. You can use a large end mill or straight router bit for roughing out, then a small ball nose for the finishing pass. This "will" take hours.


Links:
http://www.millwizard.com
http://www.stlwork.com

Hope this helps.
Alton

[Gerald D]

Do not forget the real finishing passes of sandpaper, elbow grease and artful brushwork with stains and varnishes!

[david@cadcameducators.com]

Terry

Take a look at a new software package "RAMS" you can do part of a carving in 2D and some in 3D. This gives the carving the LOOK of all 3d and machining time can be reduced by 80%. It sells for under a $1000.00. It does what Vector, Millwizard, Enroute, ModelMill and several others do and at fair price.
Link
http://rams-software.com

[davidallen]

anyone else tried RAMS?

I got the demo and it keeps crashing. it's a mix of floating point, division by zero, and GPF's.

[danhamm@abccom.bc.ca]

Dave I had the same problem, I was told to use
600 by 800 resolution and 24 bit color,then the problem went away..had a lot of fun with the
software .. but you never know till you start cutting..dan

[rgengrave]

I have been talking with David Ford from Rams Software, he is going to get me some files to cut and try it out, he has a shopbotter testing the software on the machine.

He sent me a few files on how you can do 3d files from Rhino, this looks real simple to do at this point.

I have posted the pictures Dennis did with Rhino, you can view them here, the link is at the bottom of the page, pictures, the movie link is how it was made.

http://www.rngengravers.com