Cutting inlay with the PC.

[betacrash]

I've wanted to cut some inlay with my PRT alpha for some time but have always been afraid too. I've been lurking at the precise bits site for a while and finally purchased their precise collet for the PC and a couple of 1/32 bits. All is well. Cuts like a champ. I have not seen much info from anyone about cutting inlay, so I hope this will be a starting point. I cut this abalone (.06 thick) at 21000 rpm and 8 IPM. The only problem is that I am glueing it down with a water based glue so I can release it easily in water. But it is taking more time than I have patience for the glue to dry so tomorrow I am going to buy some hide glue and use that instead. The "B" did have a curly q on the bottom but broke off since the glue was not all the way dry. oh well, still looks good. If anyone else has experience cutting inlay on the bot, please reply with your parameters and results (especially if you are using a PC router).

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s78/betacrash/SANY0001.jpg

[chuckster]

Looks purty! I stay away from anything that tiny. I have done several inlays, (larger ones) that have turned out pretty well. Have you tried sticking your parts to double sided tape? Might be an option.

[sailfl]

Shawn,

See if this helps.

http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=564

[betacrash]

i guess nobody does shell inlay? just redid the B at 5ipm and .0015 plunge. cut perfect.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s78/betacrash/SANY0007.jpg

[drodda]

Do you have a link to the Precise bits and collet of which you speak?

I am just getting into this stuff also, I have been doiung larger inlays for awhile but want to get into the small detailed stuff soon also.

-D

[drodda]

Never mind I found them.

[dana_swift]

Most people I know doing inlay laser cut the pearl or abalone and use the router to make the pocket for it to fit in.

D

[tim_mcknight]

I was told (by a laser op) that you can't cut shell with a laser. He said shell is formed in layers and the laser will just vaporize the shell.

GREAT looking job Shawn. Thanks for sharing!

[drodda]

I just received my bits and collet from www.precisebits.com (http://www.precisebits.com) and anxious to try them out. If their bits are as good as their service I would say these are going to be great for inlays.

-D

[supertigre]

Tim;

The laser operator you are talking to is absolutely correct. He cannot cut shell with a laser. Other operators however (myself included) have been cutting and engraving MOP and Abalone shell with a laser for years.

[tkovacs]

Very nice indeed - I need some of these bits!

Thanks for the post!