Another edge lit

[Samson]

These things are difficult to photograph.
It's time to start making some bases for these. I just cobbled together a box for this one.

[mpol0717]

Looks good! I'm about to try my first edge lit but would like to pick your brain. What bit do you use, feeds and step over? Also, which bit and feeds are you using to cut the edge? I've ordered a diamond drag bit, which I've read creates good results. Thanks.

[Xxray]

Here is an older thread chock full of useful info on edgelits

http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=17065

Some links may be dated, most info still relevant.
Drag bits work great, as do vbits and engraving bits if you get the depth right. For cutout any sharp endmill will do.

[gad5264]

Thanks Xxray

[FixitMike]

Remember to mirror the image and cut it on the back side. If you cut it on the front, the reflection from the back will give you a double image.

[Samson]

Looks good! I'm about to try my first edge lit but would like to pick your brain. What bit do you use, feeds and step over? Also, which bit and feeds are you using to cut the edge? I've ordered a diamond drag bit, which I've read creates good results. Thanks.

I used the In-Groove 60 deg. v-bit, .002, 30imp for the engraving and a spiral "O" bit for plastics for the profile.
It was spitting out nice chips and no melting to my surprise.

I haven't invested in the diamond drag bit yet. After contacting the seller on Ebay, he said those are seconds. I don't like the sound of that.
I have the materials and a model of one that I will eventually get around to making. I just don't have a need for it right now.

[Tundraman]

After contacting the seller on Ebay, he said those are seconds. I don't like the sound of that.

I have had one from for a long time and it works perfectly. Have used on acrylic, aluminum, trophy plates and granite counter top cut offs (very light markings). Don't know if they have always been seconds but has worked great for me. Got mine from the link Xxray provided several years back from EBay have never regretted it!

Good Luck,
Scott

[Xxray]

Same guy is still there, don't know if this is who you are referring to

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-DIA-DIAMOND ... Zz3dSMEE6g

These work great, you'd have to have $$ to burn to pay the $100 more others are asking.

[mpol0717]

Awesome. Thanks for the info guys!

[Samson]

Same guy is still there, don't know if this is who you are referring to

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-DIA-DIAMOND ... Zz3dSMEE6g

These work great, you'd have to have $$ to burn to pay the $100 more others are asking.

That's a different one than I seen on there. I'll contact him with my questions. Thanks for the link.

I don't have $$ to burn, but I am willing to pay a little for a good quality tool with good customer service.

[Xxray]

Same guy is still there, don't know if this is who you are referring to

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-DIA-DIAMOND ... Zz3dSMEE6g

These work great, you'd have to have $$ to burn to pay the $100 more others are asking.

That's a different one than I seen on there. I'll contact him with my questions. Thanks for the link.

I don't have $$ to burn, but I am willing to pay a little for a good quality tool with good customer service.

I have handled and used the more expensive drag bits, they don't offer any better quality or advantages - If they did then I'd have one, I rarely ever scrimp out on tooling. The only slight advantage is you can change spring pressure on the fly without having to take out the bit, with this one you have to take out the bit. In the years I have used it I have changed spring pressure once, so thats a feature that will rarely if ever be used.
As far as customer service, you don't need any with this thing, it is a simple, well made tool that will last indefinitely. Tips last for 100's of projects and etch plexi, metal, marble, mirrors and more. When they wear to a point where they no longer etch reliably, you just stick in a new tip. [Those are about $25-$30, wouldn't hurt to order a spare tip with the bit while ordering].

[martin54]

I wouldn't be without a drag bit having used one, bought mine in the UK because shipping & import duty would probably have been as much as the bit itself
If you are charging correctly for the work your doing just put the profit for the next couple of jobs to one side & it's paid for

I have both carbide & diamond tips for mine, can't see any difference in the finished parts myself but obviously the diamond tip is going to last a lot longer.

[tatinc2000]

That ebay link is the exact one I have. It's preformed excellently on plexi, aluminum, and stainless.