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Over the last couple of weeks I have been busy trying to come up with a way to use my CNC Router as an accurate way to do inlay work.

The first problem you encounter when you use a router for inlay work is square corners - it's simply not possible to produce a square inside corner with a round bit.

With a TON of thinking, I found the solution! I was so proud of myself for coming up with this idea - and then I found the same method laid out step-by-step on a YouTube Video! Doh! Oh well, I had fun tinkering and I think I learned more about my machine finding things out on my own.

My first real try was creating my Wood Shop Logo - The RRWW is walnut inlaid into QS Sycamore.

Then I wanted to see just how detailed I could get, so I inlaid a white oak Sugar Skull into a solid piece of walnut.

Then I wanted to see how accurate I could get, so I inlaid a red oak seahorse into a piece of walnut. It's around 4×12 inches in size.

The seahorse is as close to perfect as I can imagine an inlay being - every piece has no gaps and the grain in the wood is continuous. I love how this piece turned out!

I can see a TON of applications that this will be useful for already. The CNC is such a cool tool.

Cheers!

-bob

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Very nice and good examples of what is possible with CNC .
I like your LOGO great design .
Now how about the link on YouTube .
 

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Dang, I wish I could mess around like that.
Those are some great designs.
 

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What fun Bob. I have always wanted to try this.
Good for you for keeping at it.

I assume you cut a V-bit design, and then a V-bit mirror image plug of the same design, and then mated them. (?)

Steve
 

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You are so talented, Bob! Just beautiful work! Everything I see from you is top-notch! Awesome! :)

Sheila
 

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Steve,

You are 100% correct Sir!

The issue comes when you cut an exact mirror image - then the pieces won't fit with the glue on them. That's the issue that bugged me for a week or so. I was finally able to figure out to "shave" 1/10" of an inch off of the "mirror" image's top so there was room for the glue and any stray bits at the bottom of the two mating surfaces.

Again - this procedure is duplicated lock-step by the owner's of the Vectric suite of software on youtube. And, for Kiefer, here's the URL for the video:

BTW, ALL of the Vectric videos are just superb - a must for any CNC user to watch even if you don't buy their software.

Cheers!

-bob
 

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Very nice work, they look very good.
 

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Very nicely done Bob.
Am I correct that what you end up with is the equivalent of double bevel marquetry?
I can see how that would give you the sharp corners with a vee bit.
 

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Paul,

Now that you mention it, I suppose this would be the equivalent of double bevel marquetry - the advantage is that you fit all the pieces in one fell swoop.

It takes a TON of clamps to achieve good results, BTW!

-bob
 

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Looks like someone is havin a ball. Keep on keepin on. Very nicely done
 

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Awesome job. A CNC is def on my wish list. Love the designs
 

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Beautiful Work!
 

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Excellent work on the inlays, very intricate designs and well executed.
 
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