X3 CNC for engraving?

[daclearwater]

does an x3 cnc conversion have high enough spindle speeds for detailed engraving? i have seen taigs perform engravings with the proper tooling, can similar engraving results be acheived with an x3?

what extra steps in setup/equipment are needed to perform on an x3?

thanks

[PEU]

you need a high speed spindle for engraving, SX3 max speed is around 3500 RPM and its not enough for small mills AFAIK.

[daclearwater]

thanks peu, thats my understanding as well.

[philbur]

My Tormach will happly do engraving at 4,200 rpm with a 60 deg. single point engraver, so with a low feed rate I think it should be possible with 3,500 rpm.

Phil

Originally Posted by daclearwater thanks peu, thats my understanding as well.

[daclearwater]

interesting phil - is that a diamond tip? what brand is it? thanks

[cjdavis618]

Most of the standard SX3's that aren't factory CNC are 1800rpm max. The only ones I have seen that were 3600 are either cnc'ed or home made.

I just finished and measured mine and will post updates to my thread on spindle pulley's.

It is possible to make the spindle go faster, but I do not know by how much yet. I need more bar stock. lol....

[philbur]

No it was a 60 degree single lip carbide D bit. It was a Norwegian brand but they are all basically the same.

Something like the picture below:

Originally Posted by daclearwater interesting phil - is that a diamond tip? what brand is it? thanks