CNC-Engraved Aluminum Nameplates

[@jkris2361]

At 2:08, I'm thinking "that is genius" because I just watched a video of you applying the lacquer stick by hand...at 2:21 I'm chuckling along with your new gained knowledge....your videos are awesome....Thank You!

[@chrishenning8829]

Im a CNC programmer/machinist. We normally use carbide 1mm ball nose endmills for engraving. Depth of only .005 - .010 thou. They cut clean using a bit of isopropyl alcohol on the surface.

[@zootallures7003]

"I" just use a center drill(laughs)

[@chrishenning8829]

I do that too for part numbers. Works fine. 🤘

[@InssiAjaton]

I have used originally ethyl alcohol for my cutting and drilling of aluminum, due to some hint and because in those days I did not have isopropyl alcohol available. Nowadays it is the other way round. I am not sure, but my feeling is that isopropyl alcohol evaporates faster, already before my first hole is done.

[@3nscherzl]

I 've used argan oil (dont ask why ^^) but i'had much better result that cutting dry

[@TheWireEDM]

Cheap and easy option for the laquer stick is nail polish. Comes in variety of colors, is very cheap and has a little minibrush integrated to the bottle lid to dip it in to the valleys. After it dries in couple of minutes, wipe with a moist acetone cloth/paper all the excess and done. Holds up to machine coolants very well and it is easy to make clear signs with different colors in them :)

[@crimpers5543]

nail polish is one of the most expensive fluids out there.

[@stefanpries638]

I like how you did this video. Quick demo and all the needed facts are neat and clean in the description. No hustle, no fuzz. 👍🏼

[@benildesilva5621]

0axaodiamo

[@benildesilva5621]

Amordamiavida

[@boblewis5558]

Here's a cool tip for even nicer looking name tags that I first tried over 40 years ago, on an amplifier's front and rear panels, that look as good today as when originally made. Anodise and dye the tags, I like black, but any colour, including fading one to another then engrave through the anodising to expose the aluminium below. Looks great and no need to polish or lacquer fill afterwards.

[@AquaPeet]

Love it when you show something (like the bottle of glue) for a moment, and then whip it out of the shot :D

[@95fwd]

Used this on a project. Worked great! Thanks!

[@jjo5917]

Perfect timing. This came up in my recommended list as I've been contemplating a CNC for guitar amp faceplates. Very nice. Thank you.

[@Tarquillentte]

Your videos have the distinct feature (what others may not have), that even though at first glance of the video title and thumbnail I'm not interested in the subject, I still find the video in itself very fascinating and well made - enjoyable, that is. Fantastic work, Wesley!

[@user-wr8go9ee2n]

Still fun to watch. Thanks for your time.

[@people16vt]

nice job , i didnt knew these kind of crayons , looks easy to color the engraves ! We can see still having rough edges , i would personally do the engraving then the brush you used , then a second carving pass to clear it up more , maybe a second brush pass . Thanks for sharing the infos !

[@boblewis5558]

Really nice job and useful technique for holding thin sheets. Must try that myself for panels and PCBs. Should massively improve the PCB flatness and give a much more consistent surface level! A technique I used around 40 years ago to do a front panel for an amplifier I made was to black anodise the aluminium after cutting out panel holes but BEFORE engraving and to engrave through the black anodising to the bare aluminium. It looks as good today as the day I made it! If you get a chance you should try it sometime. Basically it gives the negative of your version.

[@onlyychevys]

A V bit works great for engraving to, one pass and your done. Great video and thanks for sharing!

[@WesleyTreat]

I tried a couple of V-bits previously and ended up with a mess. They may work better on a different grade of aluminum, though. I plan to keep experimenting.

[@misterx426]

Wesley Treat where do you get your aluminum, and what kind is best?

[@aRareKindOfMonster]

OK. I like this. And good tip on the diy welding clamps. Subscribed.

[@JayReidy]

Looking all over the internet for metallic labels. Now I can make them myself. Great video and thanks for the link.

[@MikkoPaakkola]

4:40 I have found it a bit risky to tap on the number punches multiple times like that. There's a chance that the punch will bounce and move out of alignment between the hits.

[@vivekanand3938]

thank you for good n a proper information may God bless you

[@mythril4]

I have a CNC large vertical machining center I was going to try engraving on. I like the tape and glue idea.

[@SDNorm2]

You only need enough holding power so the part doesn't move you can also use double sided tape then a little acitone to get it off.

[@skiinggator]

Magnetic plates and vacuum plates also work well

[@mythril4]

@@skiinggator But man, a roll of tape is pretty cheap. However, your solution is best if you're going to produce a lot of parts. There would be no way to keep up production with a roll of tape.

[@DanielH]

Very good information found in this video

[@darkfiree1]

What are you using for a collet on the router? Almost looks like it is magnetic

[@wellton22]

Eu utilizo fresa flat e e óleo lubrificante. Não fica rebarbas e a gravação fica com ótima qualidade

[@rickshanteau3211]

Good Video.......Unless I missed it, it is very important to know the type of aluminum you should use. I always use 6061 aluminum, as it works great for machining. Google the various types of aluminum that are made and there uses.

[@policedog4030]

Very good demo! Thanks - one observation: I recently noticed that on the aluminum nameplate of my 1952 Sears Craftsman table saw, they stamped the model number from the BACK side of the nameplate (using reversed or mirrored stamps?) anyway, it is different because when you look at the front of the nameplate, the model number appears with raised digits instead of sunken. Not sure why Sears did that and I'm not saying it is necessarily an improvement but I thought it interesting. They used 0.025 thick or 22 gauge for the nameplate.

[@KnifeHandWoodDesign]

what bit did you use for this? my fire dept wants some plates in the fire engine to put accountability tags on so we know who is on the truck and what job they will be doing. thanks

[@SLToyStories]

Can u pls tell me what the technique of engraving 2019 in 4:43 is called .

[@rafitaino3137]

One of the best vid. on cnc machine. Thank u for all the info down below

[@TrustNotta]

I really have to get my Xcarve dialed in. Your videos give me some ambition. Lol

[@maxximumb]

I want one of those nameplates so badly. I've followed the simple instructions in the video. Now to keep my fingers crossed. It's just a shame I'll never make it to the Maker Faire. It sounds like an awesome experience.

[@pieebobeg]

You should get some 60degree chamfer mills, as stated by others, you will get cleaner cuts when working in alu.

[@WesleyTreat]

Tried it, but didn't get good results. Still experimenting.

[@КонстантинВасильев-л2ш]

идея с "два скотча и клей" это просто и гениально, как я сам не догадался ?!

[@ScienceNotFaith]

It should be easy to make a stamp jig to hold those punches in line when you use them. That way all the numbers will always line up correctly.

[@WesleyTreat]

Crooked gives it character.

[@Red-yn9fv]

I run a multi cam router table every day. You should look into making a vacuum table to hold the metal down it works fairly well and you can always mill it flat when it gets to many mill marks in it. Also look into comic bits to do scribing projects

[@bjorn.grooten]

Nice plates! Lacquer stick is new for me. Good job

[@BigRichEHhthang100]

What software are you using

[@juanpabloramirez6565]

I sugest to use oil during engraving and finish will be clean i do like that

[@iantodd9945]

Actually I use metholated spirits when engraving, as no oily residue is left afterwards. And i've been engraving for 20 years and had no problems with using it

[@Pavement-Prophets]

Awesome vid in the true spirt of shared information on KZbin. All power to you 👍🏻

[@d4a]

What exactly are these lacquer sticks and do they go by any other names? I tried searching ebay but couldn't find them.

[@WesleyTreat]

Link in the video description. 👍

[@d4a]

@@WesleyTreat Thank you. I always wonder why people never read the description when they ask me questions like this on my videos. And now I did the same thing. I did go through some of the comments to see if someone asked this already but why didn't I read the description..... Why.......why........ *camera slowly zooms out. A gunshot is heard echoing in the distance.

[@Aaronhasanswers]

Dumb Question but where did you get that collar for your router?

[@SpatialGuy77]

I think you would get a cleaner crisper result with a square end bit - everyone seems to use a tapered ball bit for everything these days. Great bits, but there are others...horses for courses. Also, it will handle deeper cuts, it’s only 1mm, 2 passes with that bit would be ample.

[@SharkyMoto]

you can do a bit more aggressive cuts on the xcarve! also try single flute endmills, they are great because they reduce the cutting forces and cut your rpms down - you didnt make chips, its all dust wich is bad for cutter life :)

[@WesleyTreat]

I tried more aggressive cuts with the tapered but and kept breaking tips. The helical bit produces good chips.

[@ddddalibor]

at 1-51 seconds, what did you use, what's it called?, thanks

[@strikebr]

I use bit 1 flute spiral 3 mm or 4 mm, cuts aluminum like butter, this cut on the video, it's made in 0ne pass.

[@dinoochello7074]

Interesting. What exact bit do you use? And what is the thickest aluminum you have cut? I have snapped bits trying to cut aluminum and I can’t afford to keep doing that 😂

[@strikebr]

@dinoochello7074 follow this rules. 1 ethanol spray in the cut area. Don't worry, it's safe. 2 the pass cannot be higher than the bit diameters 3 use 1500mm / minute feed rate. Have fun

[@strikebr]

@dinoochello7074 my bits are 1 flute, spiral uppercut.

[@gregoryjohnson3627]

Where did you get that collet?

[@SnyderTools]

Where do you purchase the metal for these?

[@daanwilmer]

0.040" is 1mm, for us metric folk

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

Hahah yeh, working in inches is quite complicated. Mm is very simple most accurate unit.

[@WesleyTreat]

Yeah, I wish metric were standard here, but "oh forty" is how it's typically ordered in the States.

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

About all countries use inch but, look just writing 1mm is far simpler then 00.04" and that """ speical character tooo. Also changing from feet to inch or vice versa is complicated and also not that accurate. While metric units are like counting money like 100 cent 1 USD. The most important factor is accuracy too, and inch fails in that.

[@vikitheviki]

That's why NASA use metrics, accuracy!

[@David-xu3yk]

Great video! Thats a clever idea about the foam too! I think I need one of these machines in my life!!!

[@richardoshields264]

You really do. It's a game changer I got mine last October almost already made the cost back just messing with it here and there. Check out inventables! They also finance through affirm.

[@SURESHKUMAR-qj6oq]

Can do it in brass and steel sheets also?

[@cookie191]

What type of adhesive you using?

[@michaelh9667]

Mate make a small vacuum pad to hold that ally in place. Masking tape and glue is fine if you want to do one a day lol but vacuum pad you can change the ally out in seconds

[@WesleyTreat]

I'm not mass producing these. 🤷‍♂️

[@joshramsey6893]

Did you tap out the 20th Century Fox fanfare theme at 4:38?

[@srryabturdaughter]

Wesley. Love the video I’m a complete noob looking to design something similar. I need guidance..

[@Albert87nl]

i reaally need to get somthing like this made up! to remake some 80s/90s decals/bezels for my car!:O

[@mikeperez5623]

What are you running for the collet setup on the router?

[@WesleyTreat]

It's the precision collet available on the Inventables website.

[@jaycaviness1216]

How long will a dedicated bit last carving aluminum? i.e. the .040 aluminum with they bits you used.

[@cdfbasementsltd3375]

What's best thing to colour in black on a brass plate?

[@aqib2000]

Excellent description

[@cradd00]

How well does that new z-axis work in reducing the amount of unwanted wiggle or chatter with the router?

[@WesleyTreat]

I haven't pushed it very hard so far, but it does seem to be more rigid than before. I got zero chatter when surfacing a piece of MDF, where I would get at least a little before.

[@cradd00]

Thanks for the info. I did go to TBD CNC and order the same one you have. It looks fairly rigid.

[@tobybrown5887]

What RPM are you using in this program?

[@beyarmurad7465]

Beautiful

[@magicalempire]

very nice but I think it depends on the graphic, the alloy is or can be difficult with very fine work, engraving under 0.2 mm

[@Royalhareesh]

Nice video brother 👍👍👍

[@Alhusam]

Well done. However, May I know why you did not mill the numbers using the cnc machine as a part of the design itself.

[@WesleyTreat]

Because then they wouldn't look stamped. 👍

[@BronxWoodworking]

Thank you so much for the info! Huge help!

[@Simsy5861]

Hi Wesley. Have you tried using a V bit like the 1541 60degree V bit from Whiteside. I find that it gives a nice clean cut without all the furry bits. I also just give a spray with some spray paint and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it off lightly, leaving the colour in the engraving. Works for me anyway. Cheers

[@tuovan1353]

I need to buy this engraving, can you help me? thank you

[@SwFTTTT]

What collets are you using for the DeWalt?

[@WesleyTreat]

www.inventables.com/technologies/precision-collet-kit-for-dewalt-611?ref=wtreat

[@philrieper9185]

Looking at your router collet nut, did you buy this if so from where thanks good video

[@WesleyTreat]

Its the precision collet from PreciseBits: www.precisebits.com/products/equipment/dewalt_611_kits.asp&filter=1

[@omaronee]

Hello friends My name is omar from chile Can I ask you something please What step down used? Please Good job Regards

[@JuanHernandez-ub3ez]

Looks like 5 thousands

[@right.howdoimakethat6519]

making me look forward to getting my shop space moved into the garage.

[@richardoshields264]

Did you use easel? If so what bit did you select for the tapered bit.

[@WesleyTreat]

I use VCarve to create the toolpaths. I'm not sure Easel has the option for such a bit.

[@TonyMueller]

it doesn't... only straight bits and v-bits

[@Rail9222]

Try carpet tape. A little WD40 will produce a better finish and push less of a burr.

[@SDNorm2]

Also I have used a 1/32 ball nose endmill in a cnc mill to do simmer plates out of brass that works very well.

[@Newera2047]

What is the table size (bed travel size x and y axies?

[@didiersee]

Congratulations from Belgium. What is software use for CNC3018?

[@didiersee]

@charlie chaplin Thank you Charlie and congratulations.

[@mohamedabdulkarem1248]

You can use oil while engraving on it next time to to get a clean results.

[@WesleyTreat]

Tried it. Didn't make a difference. But most of the burrs you see in the video brush off with a toothbrush. It's not that messy.

[@ytrichardsenior]

This is really great.. Thank you :) Can you tell us what the lacquer stick is please? What is it, and what are its properties? Does it wear well?

[@WesleyTreat]

Information in the video description.

[@MakeWithMiles]

Awesome project, see you at maker Faire!

[@chaddanylak8706]

a great tip for not damaging a tip

[@whitecollarworkshop]

What is the collet you’re using? I had to stop the video and try to look it up on the internet, but I can’t find anything. Looks very convenient.

[@WesleyTreat]

That's a precision collet from PreciseBits. It's available at Inventables, below. You'll need the collet for the size bit you intend to use, as well as the collet nut and the wrench. www.inventables.com/technologies/dewalt-611-precision-grade-collet

[@eljoss9782]

What program utilities?

[@DeadiDexx]

What is the collet and nut that you're using?

[@WesleyTreat]

See the video description below this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHPPiZiqjq2Cf9k. Plus, you can get a 10% discount. 👍

[@MisterCoryAlexander]

You're awesome. Keep that up.

[@quantusentertainment7721]

I am confused and maybe i am interpreting things wrong. If your pass depth is deeper than your total cut depth how does thos make sense? ie; your pass depth is .005 but your total engraving depth is .003. Can you please explain? Is there a typo or am i interpreting this wrong?

[@WesleyTreat]

That's the total acceptable pass depth for that tool, whatever the job. You don't have to go the full pass depth. 👍

[@quantusentertainment7721]

@@WesleyTreat okay cool! But i still dont get it. Is your pass depth not the amount it engraves each time before reaching your total cut depth?

[@WesleyTreat]

@@quantusentertainment7721 Yes, but the pass depth is applicable to the tool and the material, not to the job. If someone wants to engrave to .006" or .010" or whatever, I still recommend a pass depth of .005" for that tool in aluminum. In this case, I'm just going to .003", so it'll do it in one pass.

[@quantusentertainment7721]

@@WesleyTreat ok cool man thanks for the video. Not a lot of guys out there doing this. I am engraving copper brass and aluminum and creating costomized jewelry. So your video helped me out... and yes, i had a lot of samples too! Lol

[@davegerrard6857]

What bit did you use for the engraving part?

[@jerrygomezjr601]

Are you still doing custom engravings ??..I maybe need some stuff done 🤔

[@MyJuancho2010]

Hello sir. .what's better. .this method , laser.or acid etching . ..?

[@WesleyTreat]

CNC engraving is more reliable and less messy than the acid etching, although the acid etching looks a little more aged, if that's what you're going for. Laser engraving would only be possible with a serious laser. Any laser for a home shop could only burn off paint or powder coating, leaving bare aluminum, but not actually engrave the metal.

[@LarsvanderSchans]

So what software are you using. All I hear is you saying click click..

[@WesleyTreat]

I use Vcarve to create my paths, then Easel to send them to the machine. I'm in the process of replacing Easel with UGS.

[@geethasuresh6790]

is This CNC router of wood ?

[@erniemayo944]

What kind of machine is that

[@FamilyRoots]

Excellent 👍

[@vikaspahuja7535]

Which grade of aluminium is it??

[@hashemhasan5624]

Please... What about Spindle Speed Value ?

[@wiremonkeyshop]

I was wondering the same thing. I think minimum speed on the Dewalt is 15K rpm and max is somewhere around 30K rpm. That's a pretty wide swing. Since it's a Vbit and the flute contacting the material has a very small diameter, I'd say faster = better, but maybe we can get an answer...

[@alleksandrs]

So which result looks better at the end - the etched or the engraved? (Sorry if you told it but I haven't noticed).

[@bruceabe3139]

always informative and always entertaining! keep on keepin' on!!!!

[@DG-sk7wt]

Could one potentially engrave say, a firearm receiver doing this method vs a fiber laser?

[@davidwhite2011]

What collet are you using? Doesnt look stock.

[@RobertEchten]

I think it's the precision collet Inventables sells.

[@richardfarwell6759]

Depending on your router, try -- www.precisebits.com/

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Cool to see how this thing I have was made! :-) Thanks!

[@monteporche5552]

One question. Is there a reason you didn't include the "serial number" in the toolpaths and engrave it?

[@WesleyTreat]

Personal touch.

[@commercialelectrician133]

Nice are you still doing it

[@bowie02]

How much the prize that machine..

[@princeguptadesigner9569]

what is the price of this machine and name