CNC-ing into epoxy

[mcraigchr]

I searched the forum and saw where many of you are using epoxy to pour into a wood inlay.  In my case, I have a customer that wants me to pour piece of epoxy, let it harden and then CNC the verbiage he wants.  Then pour colored epoxy into the letters that have been CNC'd.

Questions:

1) Can this be done? (I assume so)

2) What bits are best?  I like the Spektra (Amana) bits.  I have one for cutting plexi.  Will that work for clearing or shall I use the same endmill as I for wood for clearing?  Then a v-bit for the lettering?


Thanks,
Craig C.

[loren]

1) Yes - I've done that

2) I use the same v bits I use for hardwoods, with a 1/8 inch upcut for clearing.

Epoxy holds detail pretty well.

[mcraigchr]

Apr 16, 2021 10:42:27 GMT -5 loren said:

1) Yes - I've done that

2) I use the same v bits I use for hardwoods, with a 1/8 inch upcut for clearing.

Epoxy holds detail pretty well.

I shall give it a try.  Thanks so much.

Craig C.

[aluomala]

The critical thing with epoxy (in my experience anyway) is that it has to be completely cured. That's the downside to using slow curing epoxies: sometimes it take 24-48 hrs for it to cure enough. V-carving shouldn't be an issue, but if you have to mill it with a larger end-mill, you definitely want it as hard as possible so it doesn't gum up.

Allan