Bit Problems

[hetzerguitars]

When carving smooth lines I am getting results like this...
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z3/jimhetzer/DSCN0001.jpg

This is the same shape at a different spot on the board...
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z3/jimhetzer/DSCN0002.jpg

I am carving into poplar with the 1/8" carving bit. Ideas? Oh, and btw, I get the same type results in hard maple, maple, and ash.
The bit is new from Sears.

- Jim

[Gunner]

Looks like stairstepping. Check belts to make sure your project isn't slipping. Also check guidebar to make sure there is enough clearance, that the project isn't sliding smoothly past it.

[Kenm810]

Jim,

One more thing you might want to check is the Roller Pressure,
85 Lbs. after 4 or 5 clicks is ideal.
To much Higher or Lower can cause problems including like Stairstepping.

[Jeff_Birt]

Do a search on 'stair stepping' and you'll find lots of information on this particular subject. It is caused by the tracking roller (brass roller with rubber o-ring, front of machine between belts) loosing registration with the board.

This is one area where the new 1.130 firmware really shines. The board registration and tracking was greatly improved. Also, I'm not sure if you are creating the entire pockets with the 1/8" bit or not, and I can't tell what the smallest corner radius your using is, but you might consider using the 3/8" bit for larger pockets.

[liquidguitars]

This is one area where the new 1.130 firmware really shines. The board registration and tracking was greatly improved. Also, I'm not sure if you are creating the entire pockets with the 1/8" bit or not, and I can't tell what the smallest corner radius your using is, but you might consider using the 3/8" bit for larger pockets.

what he said.. I use the 3/8, 1/2, 1/8, 1/16..and 1.13 no more "min pass" lines..



I also let the Cw carve out the pockets in one shot, using the 1/16 carving bit and my raster images.

See a small video cutting a body pocket off my site:

http://www.liquidguitars.com/TrPocketR001.wmv



http://www.liquidguitars.com/Saltdot/TelegardR001.jpg

Note: I moved away from the 1/2 bit as the 3/8 seems to work the best..



LG

[hetzerguitars]

My problem with using a different bit is that I have to redraw everything because of the offset problem. I would love to use a 3/8" or 1/2" bit but I don't want to redraw what I have. I have enough problems where I draw a 4" circle and it comes out 3.85 (See my previous post)

- Jim

[liquidguitars]

Jim,

I just finished my Telecaster pickgard It took a few trys
to get it right.. but once right always right, right?

Are you using the inset path option set to "-.065" ?

Send me your pickgard design if you like, i will look at it if that helps.

LG