Engraving My panels

Here are the bits I bought from Precise bits (www.precisebits.com) to make up a nice all around kit based on discussions I had with Vince (vcimmino):

4 - MM208-0313-013F 0.8mm PreciseBit
4 - MM208-0394-020F 1mm PreciseBit
3 - MM208-1181-050F 3mm Bit
1 - MM208-1250-125FL 3mm DeepReach
1 - EM2E8-1250-30V 30°
1 - EM2E8-0625-45VW 45°
1 - EM2E8-0625-60V 60°
1 - EM2E8-0625-90V 90°
1 - MM208-0625-020B BallNose
10 - DC208-M080-040D Drill Bit 0.8mm
10 - DC208-M100-040D Drill Bit 1mm

On smaller bits <1mm you may break easier hence the larger quantities. The MM208 bits are for cutting, the EM2E8s are for engraving, and the DC208s are for PCB drilling.

Hope this helps,
Scott

Thanks so much for reply , gunna place my order now, I will need a collet for these bits im guessing my router takes 1/4 inch shank , would someone point me at the correct collet i would need for those bits from http://www.precisebits.com/search_re...I1.x=10&I1.y=9 wouldnt ask if i could get them here in australia cheers again guys..;)

Rotozip makes a collet adapter to go from 1/4" to 1/8". It uses a set screw to hold the bit in the collet adapter. Actaully works out nice. Very cheap though and you may find a little runout on these. There are also extremely expensive collet adapters out there as well. The Rotozip one has worked fine for me.

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/R...=2&cvsfp=95452

I bought a collet adapter for 1/4 to 1/8 at Sears. Works great

BuddyM

Hey guys , heres a small update on my progress,( pic attached) Im still experimenting but The panels are getting better, I still havnt purchased the right endmills yet ( moneys bit tight) But im sure the right ends will give me what im looking for, Very happy with my machine dosent seem to have much runout atall which helps alot i think. Im really enjoying the Whole CNC process, its bit like another hobby to add to my other 4 or so i have (not enough time in the day!!) Anyway thanks to all who gave me great advice about this subject Cheers Guys!! Riche...

Nice job Rich, :) :) :) Fantastic to be able to build your own panels :) :)

Matt Olieman

Hi Guys, Just curious how other cnc users clamp there work to the table for cutting/Engraving, I have Drilled hundreds of holes into my table using a jig, I then use the plastic shelf supports you would use in kitchen units etc etc, To clamp between the piece & the table, What i have noticed is that on some of my perspex panels, they are slightly rasied in the centre from the table 0.5mm roughly, While the edges are tight to the table. This is fine When cutting the holes in the panels , But when it comes to engraving the letters arent consistant thoughout , Any Thoughts on how to get my work perfectly flat. Cheers ALL.. Riche...:)

Dont Laugh as i cant remember where i read it, but some guys have succesfully used small dabs of superglue to hold thin material down and were able to prise the part up after machining without damage to the part ( will try to find the source of that info but it was legit ) also Double side tape strategically placed would, again allow for machining and removal after ... just a thought but as you find out there's "a load of ways to skin a cat" as the saying goes ( ok not a animal friendly quote i know but you get the gist LOL:-0 ) Cheers..

Hello ba543

A vacuum table would maybe be the best, but then more investment needs to be done. So far, at least I have been able to mill quite successful – even engraving. I have a few different methods to fasten depending on what to do and there is certainly other ways of doing this depending on your table facilities.

• Most normal is like your doing – clamping down to a flattened table (or scrap-board) along the edges of your material. This for taking out holes and pockets and some time the cut-out of the panel

• For front milling (pockets. holes & engraving). Those panels which have mounting holes, (most have - like the MCP have 8 holes) I first mill these holes to 2,5mm while clamped described above and down in the scrap-board (>10mm extra). Make the panel holes to 3mm afterwards. Then I thread the holes in the scrap-board for 3mm bolts and use this is as the only clamping – more than strong enough – even for the final cut-out. Be sure to set the “rapid clearance” well above the bolts. If you take care of your Zero position for the specific panel you have now a nice jig which you can use several times – in and out with the panels for inspection and e.g. painting.

• If the above is not possible you will need some double-sided tape (not tried), but then you backside need to be more or less flat. In case of engraving you don't need the stronges mounting - just enough to keep to the position under light forces from the carving tool.

• The last one is for PCB production – just ordinary masking tape along the edges.

For all this you need an absolutely clean and flat table/scrap-board.

Just an example:
http://www.hoddo.net/images/cockpit/glare/MCP-Front-back-2.jpg

Happy milling

Does anybody have any ideas on how i can go about making a cheap CNC machine here at the house?