Lithopane comparison between 1/16" and 1/32" bits

[200k]

I purchased a 1/32" ball tip bit from Soigeneris to see if I could get finer detail in a carving. I cut the same photo with a LHR supplied 1/16" carving bit and this new 1/32" bit, both at the highest level. The results were surprising. In short, the 1/32" bit did exactly what I thought it would - it cut with much more detail into the carving. Unfortunately, it doesn't look as nice. WHAT!? My guess is that the software is set up to optimize the look of a 1/16" bit carved lithopane and using the 1/32" bit introduces an artifact that looks like you used Photoshop and over did the Sharpen tool. The 1/16" bit is smoother and more pleasing, and looks more like the original photograph. You can see in the attached photos.<br>
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How the 1/32" carving bit does on other carves and other patterns I have yet to find out so I still have some experimenting to do, but for the lithos, I'll stick with a sharp 1/16" carving bit.<br>
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200k

[fwharris]

Good test and even though the 1/32 carve does show well you can see the difference compared to the 1/16 bit.

HMMM maybe a potential update/add on to new features???

[badbert]

I believe the problem would be the step-over rate? If the 1/16th (default) Bit is programmed at 50%(?) The 1/32 bit would be 0% (making full passes) and might even force the tip to the point of flexing. That might explain the over-sharpened look. The bit would not be cutting evenly.

[brdad]

What quality setting did you use? If you didn't use optimal, it might make a difference.

[55president]

The stepover in optimal is .004, best .005.

[200k]

I used optimal setting for both carves.

If anyone can tell me a way to make the 1/32" carve look better, I am all ears, but in no way, shape, manner, or form am I dissatisfied with the look of the 1/16" bit carve. I am still blown away by how fantastic it looks.

The "problem" or more accurately termed, "effect" may be a factor of the carving medium. Corian© carves extremely well, but I may try this same test using Lucite© to see if the same difference remains. This machine is sooooo much fun!*

200k
*after you learn all the vagaries of the software

[butch 4195]

I am having a very bad time trying to do faces>>>>>>how about you

[Jeff_Birt]

I'm not sure if it has something to do with the resolution of the image or the type of material being used to make the litho. So far every litho I have done looks better with the 1/32" bit. Take a look at: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...-lit-litho-fun