Tool selection for cedar

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Steve B
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:20 am

Tool selection for cedar

Post by Steve B »

It's that time of year when I need to make 100+ awards for a half marathon. They will be 3.75x4.5 and this year I'm using 3/4" cedar. I'm not real happy with the carving using .25 90 or 60 V bits, letters too deep and not crisp enough. I tried some engraving bits but got too much tear out. I'm looking for sugestions on tool selection and settings. I didn't have this issue last year using Eastern Red Cedar, so I'm not sure if it's the lumberyard cedar, or if I can adjust the tool settings to get a better product.

BTW, the V-bits worked fine on the cedar when making larger signs, it just at a smaller scale it's not so good.

Thanks,

Steve B
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Bob
Posts: 1252
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 3:35 pm

Re: Tool selection for cedar

Post by Bob »

Steve,
When I want to reduce the chances of having tear out, I spray at least two coats of clear lacquer on the surface before machining.
This seems to help stabilize the material for me.
Bob
"Focus"
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek (Developer of the microscope.)

Steve B
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 9:20 am

Re: Tool selection for cedar

Post by Steve B »

Thanks, 2 coats of paint and new sharp bit did the trick. I didn't notice that the old one had dulled, but the viva la difference when I put in a new one. I need ot get a magnifying glass as obviously these old eyes can't see the change.

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