Full Version: Drilling High-Gloss Plaque
From: gt350ed [#7]
24 Oct 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#5] 24 Oct 2005
Although I have not used a Forstner specifically for a piano finish plaque, I'm sure it will work very well; particularly if set up in a drill press. And, frankly, it will be much quicker than a rotary engraver, and probably cleaner. Of course, this is as long as the diameter of the circle needed is covered by an available Forstner bit and the "brad" (as I recall) does not go further into the substrate than you have thickness for.
My second choice before resorting to a rotary cutter would be to laser the circle. Just mask and go. It will take multiple passes but, unless you are doing quite a lot, so what?
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
24 Oct 2005
To: gt350ed [#7] 24 Oct 2005
From: Shaddy [#9]
28 Oct 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8] 28 Oct 2005
You might also cut a template from 1/4" MDF (or acrylic for that matter, whatever you have laying around) using your laser and use a router with a template-following bearing guide. Depending on your bit, you might have to stack a couple 1/4" sheets.
Might seem like a lot of work for cutting a circle, but I mention it here because doing things this way would open up some possibilites for doing other non standard shapes. Ellipse, round cornered rectangle...
Plus if you use the right bit (up or down spiral, depending on your use) you might have a good clean edge. A down spiral might keep the finish from fracturing or lifting up.
Shaddy
From: Michael [#10]
1 Nov 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#1] 1 Nov 2005
David,
You've been offered a lot of good advice, and here's one more suggestion:
Use a variable speed drill and drill at the lowest possible speed. Bit should be creeping. Very light pressure. As you pointed out, heat is the major culprit, and slow speed with light pressure will reduce that.