3D Cutting in PVC

[bill_moore]

Has anyone cut anything in PVC that the finished product has the interior of the board as the surface. I was sent some 1" to cut some rounded 3D shapes and it has little pockets in it and it doesn't seem to get smooth even after sanding with 60 micron paper. Seems the interior has the texture of HDU though the surface is very slick. I looked in the archives and didn't find anything on 3D I did get a lot of good info on cutting speeds and bit types. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[joe]

Bill,

Your observation is correct with concern to the texture of PVC. No matter what bit, feed or speed you will have that affect.

Another dis-advantage is the clean up. Sanding is slow and renders questionable results. That's my thoughts.

Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[sawdust535]

I use Azek which is a brand name for a PVC composite material and I also get those pockets. I read somewhere (can't remember where) that they are air pockets caused during manufacturing. The article I read suggested another manufacturer that evidentally has less air pockets in their material.

[bill_moore]

Thanks for the replies. I spoke with the person that sent it to me and he said he expected to have to fill the holes I retoolpathed the final pass to 8% and it is amazingly better than 9% more than I expected. Thanks Again