Yes, the toolpaths for this carving were generating in the Vector Art 3D Machinist software, which is a free download at our site. This carving is 18' x 21' and was done with three seperate tool paths: #1 was a roughing pass with a 3/8" end mill set for 30% stepover, #2 was a 1/4" ball nose set for 20% stepover and #3 was 1/8" ball nose set for 8% stepover. Black cherry holds up very well to machining as it is hard and cuts cleanly so no sanding was necessary. Softer woods like cedar and redwood are a little fuzzy after cutting as they do not stand up to the cutting edge as well, in my experience.
As you no doubt know, it is all about matching rpms and feed rates to get good results. When these two things are perfectly matched, cutting is easy; when not matched, it can be a noisy nightmare. It is the speed of the cutting edge that counts, so rpms also relate to tool diameter. It is certainly worth experimenting and getting info from the tool manufacturers.
Regards,
Andrew Holmes
-------------------- Andrew Holmes Vector Art Inc Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Keep on showing us your 3D carving. It's a inspiration.
J
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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