I was cutting a lithophane the other day and after finishing the rough cut I broke my 0.031 ball nose bit after just a couple of passes (lower right hand corner of lithophane). Last night it dawned on me that my five dollar 45 degree V-Groove bit might work. (the ball nose cost $40 and is not available locally) So I tried it using the G-Code for .031 bit... and Eureka!!!! It works!!
So because I am too cheap to throw out a 1/2 cut piece of Corian I have discovered that I can cut the lithophane with a 45 degree bit with the settings for a .031 bit, but at a higher speed AND it looks better too. The detail is much finer with the V bit than with the ball nose! I need to find a 20 degree V-bit next...
What do you think?
Bill Schober
Pine Grove, California

Nice work, keep us informed of your trials with the 20 degree bit. I also do litho's with expensive bits.

Brian :cheers:

I am cutting a new Lithophane without the rough cut using the 45 degree V-bit only.
So far it is cutting perfectly...
The text file is nearly 40 MB!
It has far more complicated details.
I will post it tomorrow.
:wee: :wee:
Bill

Litho's are definately on my list of things to do before I die :) Nice work again Bill.

Russell.

what was the settings used? cut time etc.?

Joe

Very nice detail. So far, I've roughed with a 1/8" ball endmill and finished with a 3/64" ball endmill. I've been thinking about getting a 1/32" or smaller ball endmill but maybe a v-bit would be better.

That looks great!!!! And Joe2000che already ask my follow up questions.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41845
Bill