Q & A: Is it possible to carve on both sides of the material?
Fri/20-Feb-2009 Filed in: Q&A
Question:---------------------------
I'm creating a project that needs to be carved on both sides. Is it possible to do this with a Carvewright?
Answer:------------------
Currently, the Carvewright cnc wood router does not have the capability to carve on both sides of the material. However, it is possible to mimic this and create a piece that is carved on both sides. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this.
One way is to make the front and back into two separate projects and carve them independently. Then take the two pieces and glue or fasten them together to have a two sided project.
The second approach is a bit more involved but may work better for repetitive applications. Decide which side of this project is less complicated. This will be the side you will use to create a jig for the project to rest in as you carve the more intricate side. Use a larger board. Take the simple sided pattern and INVERT it as well as FLIP it either horizontally or vertically so that it fits correctly on the larger board. Carve this INVERTED/FLIPPED pattern and then remove it from the machine. The end result is going to act as a cradle for the normal carving to sit into.
Now put in another board and carve the simpler pattern the correct way (not flipped or inverted). Remove this pattern from the machine and trim any excess wood from the outside perimeter. Turn this piece upside down and place it into the first carving you did - the cradle. These should match together perfectly - like a hand and a glove.
Measure the total height of the fixture AND the piece you just placed in the cradle. Give yourself a little extra and cut two rails for the base fixture that are that total height (plus a bit). Fasten these two rails to the side of the base carved board. This should look similar to a scanning sled. The rails will give you something to clamp against as you bring down and lock the head of the machine. At this point, your fixture is nearly complete. All that remains is to devise a way of clamping or holding the carved piece into the cradle. Do this either with clamps, or a clever design approach utilizing screws. It is imperative that the carved piece is securely held by the cradle or you will suffer damage to the carved piece and your machine.
You may now carve the second more intricate side of your project. Also, be aware that you will have to make some adjustments to your patterns so that they line up correctly from front to back.
I'm creating a project that needs to be carved on both sides. Is it possible to do this with a Carvewright?
Answer:------------------
Currently, the Carvewright cnc wood router does not have the capability to carve on both sides of the material. However, it is possible to mimic this and create a piece that is carved on both sides. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this.
One way is to make the front and back into two separate projects and carve them independently. Then take the two pieces and glue or fasten them together to have a two sided project.
The second approach is a bit more involved but may work better for repetitive applications. Decide which side of this project is less complicated. This will be the side you will use to create a jig for the project to rest in as you carve the more intricate side. Use a larger board. Take the simple sided pattern and INVERT it as well as FLIP it either horizontally or vertically so that it fits correctly on the larger board. Carve this INVERTED/FLIPPED pattern and then remove it from the machine. The end result is going to act as a cradle for the normal carving to sit into.
Now put in another board and carve the simpler pattern the correct way (not flipped or inverted). Remove this pattern from the machine and trim any excess wood from the outside perimeter. Turn this piece upside down and place it into the first carving you did - the cradle. These should match together perfectly - like a hand and a glove.
Measure the total height of the fixture AND the piece you just placed in the cradle. Give yourself a little extra and cut two rails for the base fixture that are that total height (plus a bit). Fasten these two rails to the side of the base carved board. This should look similar to a scanning sled. The rails will give you something to clamp against as you bring down and lock the head of the machine. At this point, your fixture is nearly complete. All that remains is to devise a way of clamping or holding the carved piece into the cradle. Do this either with clamps, or a clever design approach utilizing screws. It is imperative that the carved piece is securely held by the cradle or you will suffer damage to the carved piece and your machine.
You may now carve the second more intricate side of your project. Also, be aware that you will have to make some adjustments to your patterns so that they line up correctly from front to back.
Continue to Review the Basics
Mon/09-Feb-2009 Filed in: Tips
Did another skim through the owners manual and picked up a few more things I overlooked the last time I read it. It always amazes me how much I can learn from a revisit to the manual. After a little experience with the Carvewright, more and more of what I read makes sense where it didn't in the beginning.
