Greg, I also had that line thing.The issue in my setup was that the cutter was`t cutting square with the table so every time it go one step deeper the tip of the cutter would cut the line.Maybe check that as it resolved my line drawing on the edges.

Some people reverse the last toolpath to clean the lines....

If the first passes are clockwise around the part, the leftward cutter deflection makes the part slightly oversize. Then, with last pass counter-clockwise, the cutter deflection tries to make the part under-size, but in real life it makes it on-size and clean. Or so they say . . . . .

Greg,

I would suggest that you look at the Pinion Gears be sure the grub screws are thight.

Last week end, I removed the motors and cleaned the gears, checked the grub screws, and cleaned all the dirt and junk and added new grease to the gears. I also did the same with my X VWheels. I would do the Y if they were easier to get to but the Y runs so smooth and they are a little more protected, I have not done them. I am not removing the Z VWheels. If I could weld them I would.

I could tell a difference in how things sounded and cut.

I regularly clean my rails and V Wheels with Boeshield T-9. It helps lubricate and keep the rust away.

I am also finding that the better quality bit makes a difference. I pretty much only use Onsrud bits. I don't always agree with the bits they recommend. I am using a lot of the 65-000 series bits for a variety of materials. They give me a very good edge.

Greg, if I can help you give me a call.

Thanks men,

I think Gerald may have it. The lines are 360 degrees around the part. So if the cutter was not "plum" (true vertical), the lines would not be on all the surfaces (360 degrees). For example, on my Cherry bench (showroom thread), I cut the leg and heart profile on the MM. The lines were on all the surfaces of the leg. Same with the heart profile.

I went and checked all my cut files, and they are all conventional (clockwise). Easy enough to run a test where I do a climb (counter clockwise) cut on the last cut.

As for a loose grub screw, I always check the gantry and Y car for "tightness". I had a loose grub screw when first starting up and spent way too much time looking for the problem, that I'll never forget.

Now taking the motors off and doing a good cleaning, new grease, ..... well, guess what I'll be doing this weekend. :o

I'll report back on the proper thread. :)

We don't use the last_pass_counterclock method because that runs opposite to the reason for clockwise cutting in the first place; tearouts on sharp points in the profile. We run the first passes about 0.5mm too big and the last pass on size.

Thanks Gerald,

Been having too much fun cutting, that I can't see the forest for the trees.

New Dust Foot
 

The last couple days I have been working on a new dust foot. Since I cut so much Acrylic, I decided to make it out of that.

I have discovered a couple things that I will change on this new one but I like the new design. I need to enlarge the hole for the router nuts.


Attachment 10268


I used magnets to allow me to easy take it apart when I want to change bits. I will add another set of magnets at the front of the foot.


Attachment 10269

I love the magnet idea !! I saw that somewhere and was wondeing how it would hold up.

Nils, Nicely Done! Let us see some pics of it mounted! How do you like the performance?

Some one on here did one with magnets.

I only did a test cut, I will see how it works on a real job.

Sign for Orlando Primer Outlet Mall Store
 

For the last three weeks I have been involved in cutting elements for an inside sign for a store in the Orlando Primer Outlet Mall near Disney World.

The picture shows two pieces of 2" x 20" x 48" Cast Acrylic material. These sheets cost $1000 per sheet and weighed 100 lbs.

Attachment 10270

The first rough cut - cutting out the inside of the letters. Used 0.50" bit at 150 IPM.

Attachment 10271

The first set of letters with the rough cut completed. When I finished cutting both the rough cut and the finish cut, each sheet weighed 30 lbs. You can see the remains. I could not use my dust collection because my foot was too large and I had limited hold down.

The letters were cut to a depth of 1.75" which left a 0.25" used to hold the letters in the Black Formica covered Plywood that the letters stuck thourgh.

Attachment 10272

Here is a picture of the plywood with the letters.

Attachment 10273

Pictures of the completed signs installed and ready for the opening which is taking place today.

Attachment 10274


Attachment 10275


Wider angle of the sign. I also cut a piece of 0.25" Acrylic that was used for Sun Glass display on the left.

Attachment 10276


The clients are very happy with the sign.

This is my first time cutting 2" Acrylic and I am very pleased with the results and that the client is very help.

That is awesome !!! I bet the pucker factor was high on that job. Is your business growing on word of mouth or do you have a marketing "plan" going?

Mike,

I paused a lot before starting the first cut. I did not want to be the one that had to purchase another piece of acrylic. Wouldn't you know, the power went off of 2 seconds about 3/4 into the finish cut. That was enough to shut the machine down. I was a little off when I started up but with .125" tolerance I had in my contract but no one said anything if they even noticed.

I have just been making connections with people and the jobs are starting to come. I do not have steady work but I am getting work.

I hope this high profile job will lead to additional work.

It was a shot to my confidence to have the designer of the store like what I did. The sign is high visual part of the store and is the center of attention.

It is nice to have photos of this work to show others.

Very nice work Nils.

Glad work is coming your way.

Beautiful Work Nils!

Thanks for sharing with us.

Nils, AWESOME! Very nice. :)

Nice Nils, can you imagine the man with the BLUE FACE making nice things like this..:D

Nils, The sign turned out great. When you explained it on the phone I had imagined something different but this turned out much nicer than the one in my head.


I see you didnt use your new dust shoe. :D Just wondering how the magnets are working out for you.

Nils, fantastic ;)

Nils, Nice buddy. Glad to see those nice edges again!

beautiful work, congratulations and thanks for Share it.:)

Beautifully done Nils, that is some fine craftsmanship!

Brilliant work! must be nerve racking working material of such value.

Ken,
The pucker factor is huge. I think the last time I made a conference table with "real gold plate inlay" I test cut the file 4 times out of plywood before the real material - then hold your breath that the bit doesn't break on the real stuff.

Sean

After wiping out so many potential profit no thanks to mistakes made in the earlier jobs... I'm still holding my breath everytime I get on to a new cut... :o
There are just too many opportunity to learnt from mistakes... freaks me out...:(

Most of my mistakes are due to "operator error". :o

Its not a pretty sight when zeroing off the wrong reference.

"If your not making mistakes, your not doing much". :)

Greg,
Did they teach you that at SLO too! :D?
Great to see your still out here reading the forums.

Sean

Watch it bud. :) Never said I was fast.

Yea, good to be back. Finally resigned from the day job last April and starting a small business. Having a blast. Not profitable yet, but I've got a two year business plan.

The last year with that old job was long and not fun. Glad its done with and I'm on to new, fun things.

Greg,
Good luck with your new venture. I as well, have 2 of those small business' on the back burner all the time.

...keep the snakes out of the shop and good luck!

Sean

Thanks Sean. Hope all is good with you too.

Speaking of snakes. Just had to take a dog to the vet last week due to a rattler. Saved my wife though. If it wasn't for "Rocky", my wife would have been bitten. Rocky's fine today and spoiled as ever. :)

Better give this tread back to Nils.