Christmas presents are starting. I’m looking to produce a UK map, each of the counties has a bunch of detail that requires (to my newbie knowledge) a 1/16 bit to get into the corners.
I’m wondering if it is possible to run the job with a 1/4 bit to hog out most of the material, then have the 1/16 bit just refine around the edges. As you’ll see from my file I’ve just re-ran the jobs (Ignore the 1/8 tool paths as I was testing).
I have not done a cut with this much detail. It will look great.
I have created an offset to run my larger bit. You can clear up the remainder with the smaller bit. Select the offset and the outside edge. You have the smaller bit re-running the job cutting air most of the time which accounts for your time.
I also see the 1/16 starting at .5 mm and 1900 mmpm. I did not check, is that bit ok to go that fast cutting to a depth that starts at .5 mm? I have a drawer full of broken bits that have taught me to be careful.
I would suggest running the job on some scrap or MDF to see how it looks before the final.
I am sure there will be more seasoned comments to follow
Create a 1/32 (0.8mm) offset (inside) of all the counties. Use that for your 1/4" pockets
Now use the same curves to profile (contour) with the 1/16"
Then profile the outside curve of each county with the 1/16"
The last 1/16" tool will be removing material all the way around, resulting in a smoother finish on the edges.
Or, Don’t bother with the offset. Cut all the pockets with a 1/4"
Program a profile with a 1/8" (but you will use the 1/16" on the machine)
Program a profile with the 1/16"
This will result in the 1/16" cleaning out the corners, but maybe cutting air where the 1/4" finished the part.
