CNC Engraving vs Laser Egraving

[nickcarter]

I have a commercial request to engrave corporate logos/names on wood with a fair amount of detail in a small, say 1"x2", space. My attempt to do this with CNC engraving have not been very successful. The examples of fine engraving like this on wood using laser engravers look good. I'm not sure if this is an issue with my lack of experience with CNC or a difference in tool capabilities.

So... I'd like to solicit input here. Have others successfully engraved details logos/etc (imagine a corporate logo about the size that would be on a letterhead) using CNC? If so, what techniques are recommended? Which specific bits? Or, is this a case where a laser engraver is worthwhile?

As much as I love collecting tools, I'd like to avoid the expense of a good laser engraver so I'm hoping that I just need some learnin'. Thanks!




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[awerby]

Hi Nick -

For something like that, either a laser or a CNC can work. I think a CNC machine (like a Taig, for example) is more versatile, since it can control depth better, and you can vary the line-width easier, either by changing tools or by using V-carving techniques and a tapered tool. Your problem might be due to the wood you're using. Something that small would be a good project for endgrain boxwood, which can hold an incredible amount of detail. (If you can't find any, let me know and I'll send you a piece.) If you're doing a lot of this, and want to cut really fine lines, you might consider investing in a high-speed spindle; the single-sided fine-pointed engraving tools that do that work best at very high RPMs.

[CNCMAN172]

You can get a good deal of detail with a CNC machine if you use small engraving bits and tiny endmills.