How deep on 3D

[applik]

Most of the carvings have been .28 deep into the wood so far using a 1/8 tapered ball nose with 1" cutting area on the bit. Can I carve maybe 1/2" or more deep with the same bit in one step down using the raster mode? This is wood, not foam. I read somewhere on here that you should only go as deep as your bit is wide. But I'm not cutting anything out, just 3d carving into the wood. Has anyone carved deeper using an 1/8" tbn? Should I do a quick area clear with a 1/4" ball nose with a large step over first? I'm trying to keep the carving times as short as possible and still have a quality carving.
Thanks,
Shari

[Brady Watson]

Shari,
Definately do a roughing pass with the 1/4". This relieves the stress on the 1/8", lets you run the 3D TP faster and it gives you a better cut. Keep in mind that your design may have deep crevices that the 1/4" can't get into. If you are going to break the 1/8" bit, you are going to do it on the 1st pass...So save your 3D TP with a slow move speed (IE 1,.5) and let the tool raster 2 times. Then hit the S key and raise the speed to your descretion.

-B

[applik]

Brady,

Forgot to say thank you. We are still using the 5,5 but getting braver. Experimenting with a little Vcarving today. The bits are so short the dust skirt tries to jam into the wood. Guess I'd better find and order some longer V-bits. Got our first order from a sign shop yesterday.

Thanks again. Your input is valuable and greatly appreciated. If we don't chat before the holiday, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. We are very thankful we have people like you on this forum that are knowledgeable and willing to share that wisdom.
SL

[Brady Watson]

No problem, Shari. We all chip in and keep the big wheel turnin'


In terms of v-carving/3D and the dust skirt...yes...the latest generation of dust skirt is poorly suited for doing deep V-carving and machining 3D. Just take it off and manually suck up the dust. There usually isn't much to contend with unless you do a very large design. You can also set the dust foot up higher, but be careful...it works the other way against you and may fail the motor drivers if you go too high (it gets jambed)

-B

[mikek]

Shari, you may want to look at an ENCO 308-0018 ER11 1/2" shank Craftsman Stubby ER Collet Chuck ($49.95) with a 891-6984 1/8" ER11 Spring Collet ($17.45).

This will get the 1/8" bit past where you need it to be for proper dust skirt clearance. I used the 325-1515 1/4" ER11 Spring Collet this weekend and it extended the bit perfectly for the dust skirt.

[Brady Watson]

Good idea Mike...I read about that stubby collet chuck somewhere before...hmmm...


-B