Why does my text carving take so long

[killerken]

I am carving Alphabets just with a text box, Raster, Bold Arial, 3.5" tall, .25" deep.
Bit Optimization: None, and Upload Quality: Normal
It is estimated at 5.5 HOURS!! I am not able to select an 1/8" cutting bit to try and make it faster.

I just need simple, bold, BLOCK letters carved all at the same depth - not feathered or V.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Dale]

You did not mention the size of your design but since it is a raster the machine will start at one end of the board and the truck will go back and forth just like a regular carving, not do just the letters like centerline does so it can take a long time if it is a large board. You can go to board settings and it will give you the option of choosing different size carving bits.

[killerken]

You did not mention the size of your design but since it is a raster the machine will start at one end of the board and the truck will go back and forth just like a regular carving, not do just the letters like centerline does so it can take a long time if it is a large board. You can go to board settings and it will give you the option of choosing different size carving bits.

OK - I will try that. It is taking about 15 minutes per letter, which seems excessive. There has got to be a better way if it is all at the same depth, i am thinking it should be quicker.

[killerken]

BTW... THANKS
My board is 72" long

[DickB]

Your carving looks fairly deep. Does it need to be that deep? Often a .125" depth for lettering is sufficient. Shallower depth will carve faster. Also, add some draft which will speed things up a bit.

Another trick that might help is to separate the top and bottom rows into two projects. Run one right after the other without removing the board. The bit has to travel from one row to the other as is. Separating into two projects eliminates that travel time.

[spalted]

Depending on your finished product, you might be able to do it in layers.
Your top layer at.25 or.125 thick cut the letters out by outlining them, then glue/laminate the cutout layer onto the back layer.
This will mean way less time in the machine, but require more of your time.
Just another option though.

[killerken]

Depending on your finished product, you might be able to do it in layers.
Your top layer at.25 or.125 thick cut the letters out by outlining them, then glue/laminate the cutout layer onto the back layer.
This will mean way less time in the machine, but require more of your time.
Just another option though.

Great Idea!!! That sounds VERY simple and much quicker. Thanks for helping me think outside the box

[Digitalwoodshop]

I have JUST the TRICK for you... I do wood signs with a 3/8 end mill with a cutter on the bottom.

I use a Single Stroke Font called MODERN

I use OUTLINE MODE not Centerline or Raster.

Works GREAT !!!!

As you increase the size of the text you may need to increase the bit OR go back and add vector lines and assign the same bit and depth to "Clean Out" the missed areas.

The trick is a Single Stroke Font...

Smaller text requires a smaller bit...

AL