I am trying to do something new to me. I have never really dug into the carving and engraving side of things. My lr4 has lived is life cutting engineering parts with straight lines smooth faces etc. I have a special project in mind that will need soft flowing organic curves. I have at in my collection an ⅛” ball nose or a few different sized cove bits.
What is the real difference here from a CNC carving standpoint? Obviously size is the biggest difference. But what do I need to think about before trying to run some test patterns? I’m thinking a flowing flag type of surface will be the best test. I haven’t finished the actually design yet so i can’t be much more specific other than i need the smooth.
This will likely end up in mdf or a softer hardwood. It’s going to be a sign that will be painted.
Edit, I think i might try out millmage for this too
Detail is the most important. Same as drawing with a fine point mechanical pencil (0.5mm ball end)or a giant soft tip marker (1/4" ball).
Speed is next. Smaller points with a 5-10% step over take a lot longer than a 1/4".
So it just comes down to what type of carving you are going to do and how much detail is really important.
My basic idea (not sure right or wrong) is to use the cove bit to get the bulk material off the z areas. In my head the uncut end mill is going to leave myan pyramid type surfaces. And I’m thinking that the cove would let me come in and blast off the majority of the steps. A not quite finishing pass if you will.
I guess the reason I’m leary is the cove bits are straight flutes instead of a serial which has proven in my shop projects to create a far better finish. Spiral heads on jointers and planers for example.
You just have to experiment. On some materials with a straight flute small islands can be an issue.
true! But nobody has said it ends horribly so its not a crazy experiment …. yet
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