Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Relief carvings

On Wednesday 27 August 2003 22:23, d_bobzien wrote:

> Hello,
> I'm getting very close to completing my cnc router table and was
> wondering what software is out there that will let me scan an image
> and convert to g code. Is there a lot of code manipulation needed to
> get a quality carving? I'm hoping there is something out there that
> works good and doesn?t cost an arm and leg ($500 or less)... after all
> this is a hobby.

You could this program I wrote:

http://savannah.nongnu.org/download/cncutils/bmp2cnc-0.22.tgz

Since it's free software, there's not much risk in trying it out!

> Also what type/size of router bit works best for relief carvings?

What you need is a sharp, pointed engraving bit. Most of the ones I've seen
are made by grinding a round tool blank to a sharp point with a 90 degree (or
less) included angle. Then, half the conical section is ground away leaving a
"D" shaped cross section.

Matt