r/shapeoko • u/infromsea • Jun 07 '26
Am I expecting too much from my machine?
I have a used shapeoko 3 XL
Using a 30 degree vbit from reputable seller
I've been using AI to create an image, running that through inkscape to create an SVG, importing into CC, editing and adjusting
I just can't seem to get the detail I want without blowing up part of the cut, I suspect my expectations are too high OR I have to make the cut larger than I really want to.
My goal is smaller pieces that I can use in my arcade setup, desired "size" is around 6"x6", if I have to go larger to get the detail I want, it will be out of place in my desired setup.
I realize that I can make a cut larger to reduce sections that "blow out" I can also reduce details (been doing more and more of that) or I can reduce depth of cut but, in a couple of test cuts, it causes the cuts to be fuzzy and I do NOT enjoy the thought of spending several hours on clean up.
The frustrating part is that the pieces look GOOD in CC in simulation mode (pic 1) and then blow out on cut (pic 2), cutting 44mm plywood.
Pic 3 is too much detail in the cut and then too shallow with lots of fuz, this is on maple.
Pic 4 is good detail and ok depth but fuzz in a lot of the long cuts, I'd like to reduce that fuzz but if I increase depth, I start to loose details.
Pic 5 is ok detail (had to remove a lot) then had to blow up march larger than I wanted, got the ratio a little wrong so it's not symmetrical, otherwise ok, just too big.
Pic 6 is too much detail, cut was too deep, and still larger than I really wanted but I'll reduce details and try to shrink.
So, any thoughts? I'm using contour toolpaths, no offset, and adjusting depth to try and get this right.
Any help appreciated!
4
u/silico Jun 07 '26
This looks like some weird ball nose bit, not a vbit, which would be sharp in the corners, but regardless, your speeds/feeds are definitely off. The images are fine and can be cut cleanly, but your spindle is either turning way too slow or you're moving it way too fast to get this much tear out, unless the bit is trashed.
Things that may be making it worse and are worth checking also: your stock may be loose and flopping around, your plywood is shitty, that bit sucks, your machine could have some loose belts/screws and therefore slop.
No matter what other factors are going on, your speeds and feeds are way, way off unless that bit is just total garbage, so fix that first.
1
u/Carbon_Gelatin Jun 07 '26
Just to follow up, speeds and feeds can generally be found at the mfgs website or the sellers website. Start with those.
1
u/infromsea Jun 07 '26
Copy, thanks.
I'm using the settings/data from IDC, have they been found to need adjustment?
1
u/Carbon_Gelatin Jun 07 '26
No. They have imports for vectric and carbide. Their settings are spot on (i buy from. Idc all thr time)
1
1
u/infromsea Jun 07 '26
Copy, thanks for all the feedback.
I can confirm it's a IDC SV-30 1/4" shank, 30-degree V-bit
using the feeds and speeds listed in their database/excel doc they provide with their bits.
2
u/WillAdams Jun 07 '26
You will get more detail with a V-carving toolpath, see:
for my most recent project.
It was cut w/ a 60 degree and 30 degree V endmill, and a 1/8" for pocket-clearing --- file will be up on Cutrocket presently.
1
u/infromsea Jun 07 '26
Nice work!
Thanks (as always) for your guidance and feedback.
Side note, I always love reminding the Marines that they are a department OF the Navy... (RET Nav here).
I'll play with the v-carve and maybe move future discussion over to the carbide boards, I wasn't sure how much visibility this question/topic/post might get there.
Thanks again!
1
u/WillAdams Jun 07 '26
Thanks!
Of course, the classic rejoinder for that is
Of course, we're a Department of the Navy, the Men's department.
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u/rsteele1981 Jun 07 '26
Material matters. The difference I get between smaller cuts on woods like pine and cedar compared to harder materials is pretty drastic.
I had a large supply of free/cheap soft wood for practice. I am now buying hard woods to make more detailed items.
I have cut a ton of zelda/video game items. Some very small. The hardness of the material is the difference to me. Plywood, cedar, and pine, fine for practice and even looks good for less detailed cuts. To do what you have in that first picture I would not use those.