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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/408034
izen - Posted - 04/04/2026: 04:27:24
I would appreciate learning of tooling and milling techniques people are using for engraving and cutting out inlays and rim stick labels on small consumer CNC mills.
What kind of artwork? Black and white or with a gray scale corresponding to depth?
How deep are engraving cuts? What diameter collet/tool? What tip angle? Rotation speeds? Material depth removed per pass? Are multiple tips swapped in?
What thickness shell, horn or brass?
For brass rimstick labels, an end mill for flat depressions around raised letters like on statue or door plaque signage? A scratch engraving tip like on a mill dial? What diameter hole for rimstick nails/screws? Which is better? Recommended nail/screw source? Or is it better to glue in the rimstick label?
Is the depressions for an inlay done under CNC control or manually after the inlay is traced?
Can an inlay be engraved first and then set into the neck or rimstick? I am aware the master engravers tend to set the inlay in the wood first and then engrave it by hand, but they are pros and those skills are beyond me, hence the CNC.
How much larger should the depression be than the inlay that is set into it.
General tIps and experiences would be most welcome! My friend and I have been teaching ourselves to use his CNC mill with wood, plastic and now scrap aluminum, but we have yet to produce a rimstick label that I would want to commit to brass and put on an instrument. Thanks!
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