Loving my machine. Making different things and experimenting with different techniques. I want to make this for my Dead Head husband and his friends. Just a carving on a stained piece of (something…not sure yet). Finished carving will be about 10" x 24". I did a sample on pine to just try it out. Was pretty happy with it…needs some sanding, but overall, I was pleased, but not sure if it should be deeper overall.
Here’s the question. I used a 60 degree vbit and for the max depth, I tried the .20 and then “stock bottom”. There seemed to be little difference. Why is that? Also, do you think a 30 degree vbit would yield better results?
A V tool will only cut as deeply as necessary to cut a given width.
A normal V carve will cut along the center and may be distorted in appearance if the depth isn’t sufficient (but this may be used (abused?) for special effects).
An Advanced V carve will cut along the perimeter at the specified depth (where possible, it will lift up for narrow/more delicate sections) and has an option for pocket clearing.
A more acute tool will reduce the width variation caused by uneven stock, and usually is bit more forgiving (but if using normal V carving will want thicker stock / a deeper cut).
The biggest improvement you could make would be to use hardwood, rather than softer pine/fir.
Make sure your stock is as perfectly flat as you can get it. If you can leave the job on the machine, surface it flat & sand it. Stain it & let dry really well. Seal & finish the top before cutting. This will bind the grain fibers together & result in a better cut.
Did you make this yourself? I did a search & didn’t see anything like it. Really nice.
Any chance I could steal if from you?? I’d like to try it out.
Thanks for the info! We did plan to use a hard wood. Maybe cherry. Going to go to our wood place and see what they have. Wanted to try it out on scrap first, though.
Thanks again, so excited to do this for Tom and his friends. They’re gonna love it!
