CNC Shark Forum

May I be so bold and ask for some help in making trivets?

My wife wants some trivets and picked out some patterns. Problem is that the patterns are so intricate that they will require something like 1/16 or 1/32 inch end mills that will cut to the depth of ½ inch (not all in the same cut).

I guess I don’t know what to look for because I can’t find any.

Maybe what I need are some suggestions on how to cut a trivet like this one.

Bill,
You could cut that pattern as a vcarve engrave.
It will not go all the way through the board, but it will look neat.
This is a method that I use when I want the detail but the pattern is too fine.
You could combine through cuts (pockets) for larger areas, and vcarve paths for the details...this also works well.
You could cut multiple thinner layers to accommodate the limits of your bit, the layers are then stacked and glued.
Just thinking outside the trivet,
Bob

You can get smaller bits from several suppliers. The problem you're going to run into is the smaller the bit, the shorter the cutting length. At 1/16 inch you will have 1/4 to 3/8 inch cutting depth and you still won't get the detailed cut out you're looking for.

I would suggest modifying the carving to accommodate your bits, or use a scroll saw for the finer detail.


a few suppliers:

precisebits.com
cuttingtoolsource.com
toolstoday.com

Bill,
Here's how it would look as a VCarve: The design doesn't go all the way through...I like it.
Bob

And,
With VCarving and pocketing combined: I think I like the first one better.
Bob

The picture I first provided was obviously cut by a machine of some kind. Heck, the finished trivet only cost $12.00 from Amazon.

I was hoping to find a bit small enough yet long enough to make this and similar trivets.

I was afraid that the smaller in diameter the shorter for strength.

So, how did they make this trivet?

Bill,
Now look at what you started: Here's the file if anyone's interested: Bob

For mass production of things like the trivet a laser is used.

Needing some suggestions here.

I’ve been making these and other trivets. What takes what seems to be the longest is the sanding in between. Some of the spaces are the smallest.

No matter how sharp or small my router bit is, I always need to do sanding.

It is the sanding that gets me down.

Suggestions please on an easier or quicker way to sand things like trivets.

Needing some suggestions here.

I’ve been making these and other trivets. What takes what seems to be the longest is the sanding in between. Some of the spaces are the smallest.

No matter how sharp or small my router bit is, I always need to do sanding.

It is the sanding that gets me down.

Suggestions please on an easier or quicker way to sand things like trivets.

You could invest in a DREMEL tool to help with the sanding. There are many types of small bits for the DREMEL to make carving and sanding more of a breeze. It is a big part of my workshop.

Also take note that you can adjust the depth of the V-carve too to alleviate/reduce the amount of work after the CNC carve!!!

Sharkcutup

Have a GREAT DAY!!!

Be SAFE around those AWESOME machines!!!