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Groove

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 1:05 pm
by The-Engraver
Hi,
Is there a way of making grooves into something? for example if I wanted a slide door on the top of a pencil box.

Would I need to set the laser to cut but use lower power and higher speed or would I need to set it to engrave using slower speed and higher power?

(I am thinking the groove would be about 3.5mm in height using 3mm acrylic)

Thanks in advance

Gary

Re: Groove

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 1:57 pm
by PhillyDee
I have thought of this, it would be an engrave sets to a slower speed that would do it for me. Would be a bit of trial and error though.

Re: Groove

Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2011 6:36 pm
by Spooky
Hiya Gary,

It's possible to do it in one hit with engrave but variations in material make up and thickness mean the settings will be different every time. I had the same issue with a train model I've just finished and the Amityville House Model and in the end opted for a different solution.

best wishes

Dave

Re: Groove

Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2011 7:06 pm
by Bernie_of_CPE
Hi Guys,

To be honest I have never managed to cut a grove effectively as the circumstances to make this happen are difficult to repeat two cuts in a row. So many variables will effect this, ambient temperatures of the air, water and material and the amount of water absorbed into the wood or acrylic makes it nigh impossible even with light cuts which take forever anyway.

It is probably best to cut strips and "build" a channel into the design, alternatively use a table saw or router if you have one. B&Q sell a plastic channel (in PVC I think) for display cabinets which can be screw mounted to chip board or MDF.