Engraving aluminium - recommended tool

[d4cnc]

Do you do a collet option for machines that would replace a 65mm diameter spindle? I have a 6040 that I'm trying to engrave with.

[evildrome]

They're hand made to order so I can make them any size.

I have made one 65mm collet in the past.

[d4cnc]

Ah great. The problem I'm having with the mrrace one I'm using is that because the aluminium is soft, and once the tool is spinning, the spring doesn't come into play at all.. it just dives straight in to the work.. this means getting small lines isn't feasable at the moment. I was using a 20 degree 0.1mm tip bit. I've since bought a 10 degree one to try but not had a chance to experiment yet. The goal is to have writing at a width of around 0.2mm.. then to paint that writing.. would that be possible with your set up do you think?
Many thanks

[evildrome]

I would think so with the 120 tip.

[evildrome]

I've just added "65mm" to the collet options on http://www.dragengraving.com/

[evildrome]

This is a video of my 120 tip engraving aluminium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8UZRkzbdls

skip forward to 5:20

[ptjw7uk]

In post 16 d4cnc is saying 'once the tool is spinning, - I thought this was about a drag engraver and as such shouldn't spin.

Peter

[Boyan Silyavski]

In post 16 d4cnc is saying 'once the tool is spinning, - I thought this was about a drag engraver and as such shouldn't spin.

Peter

He is talking about his mmrace spring loaded toolholder


as far as engraving and color filling better read this, but in short :

"As a rule of thumb, with characters up to 1/4" high, engrave to a depth of .010" -.012". On larger characters, it is advisable to go .015" - .020" deep depending on theline width and filling technique used."

[John S]

Wilson,
Check your PM's

[evildrome]

Hi John,

I have replied but if you don't see the reply feel free to call me on 07711 zero two six six five three

Cheers,

Wilson.