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  1. #1
    Hi all

    Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rob I'm from North Wales and I have decided to jump feet first into the world of CNC. I have purchased one of the 3018 Pro Chinese machines and so far it seems very capable. I am wanting to get into aluminium pet tag engraving which mainly uses anodised aluminium. So far I've had mixed success but need a bit of help going forward I think. Anyway, it'll be nice to get to know you all and hopefully in the process help each other out.

    Rob

  2. #2
    Hi Rob, welcome to the forum!

    I saw a good video recently where a guy was using a spring loaded bit to drag engrave aluminium Dog tags. What type of engraving do you intend using?

  3. #3
    Well so far I just have v tip engraving bits. I am trying to find the correct feeds and speeds that doesn't break the tip.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by visedge View Post
    I saw a good video recently where a guy was using a spring loaded bit to drag engrave aluminium Dog tags.
    +1 for this - I did make a similar device and it was as good if not better than my attempts with a V-bit. Part of my problem was, I think, a random bunch of anodised aluminium sheet (offcuts from eBay) which was gummier than a fruit pastille - cut poorly and suffered a lot of tearing when engraved. The spring-loaded drag bit resolves a number of issues including the gumminess and flatness.

    From my experience - probably worth sourcing/buying a proper drag engraver.

    Don't kid yourself with your machine - try to get a good understanding about any backlash that you have, and the rigidity of the frame - no point looking for precision engraving if the machine is distorting under lateral loading. Also examine and understand the stiffness of your spindle mount.
    Last edited by Doddy; 20-05-2019 at 07:47 AM.

  5. #5
    Clive S's Avatar
    Lives in Marple Stockport, United Kingdom. Last Activity: 11 Hours Ago Forum Superstar, has done so much to help others, they deserve a medal. Has been a member for 9-10 years. Has a total post count of 3,333. Received thanks 618 times, giving thanks to others 77 times. Made a monetary donation to the upkeep of the community. Is a beta tester for Machinists Network features.
    Yes, three series is very gummy try 6 series or even 7 series
    ..Clive
    The more you know, The better you know, How little you know

  6. #6
    I bought one of these drag engravers a while back. Haven't used it much as yet but the tests I did looked good whereas the 22 degree PCB engraving bit I tried just made a mess. The spring loaded engraver is also much more tolerant of uneven surfaces.

    https://www.engravingbit.com/Drag%20...ng%20tool.html

    Kit
    An optimist says the glass is half full, a pessimist says the glass is half empty, an engineer says you're using the wrong sized glass.

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