Thread: Anyone doing diamond drag engraving?

I've ordered a couple of the drag tools after reading the thread over on the Vectric forums. The concept to make a holder is really simple.

The only grey bit at the moment is how stiff a spring to get

BTW, I find it ironic that the upload window says you can upload a 50 Meg video file but photos are limited to 100k?????

Hi Greg,
Pull one of the glaas fronts off a cabinet from inside - I am sure SHMBO will understand your needs. Seriously though it would be good to see if it can etch the glass.
What is the diameter of the holder and have you made the spring tension adjustable with the screw in the top?
I saw a spring loaded cutter here that rotates and is capable of engraving rounds.
Be watching to see how this goes.

I have seen that engraving adapter. Fairly versatile.

$525AUD plus shipping is a bit steep for this little black duck.

Yes it is adjustable with the screw. Also how far you set the cut depth I suppose.

The diamond bit I got is 1/4" and the holder I made 20mm to fit the widgitmaster.

If it is successful I will make an adapter to use it on the bigger router.

Greg

Yeah $525 is out of the question and I can't see how they could charge that much for such as simple adapter.
A vacuum table and a diamond dragger could do a lot of work in a short time.

Is this a 3 way conversation or can anyone jump in. Only kidding guys.

Q. I assume this is only for glass?

Nah, you can use it on brass, aluminum, steel, plastic...anything really

With the world financial situation the way it is, I have taken on some casual work ... yes, Alan, what has this got to do with drag engraving???

Well ... I am working as an Assistant Funeral Director and yes I have heard the jokes about playing golf with a funeral director etc ... but the point is that they all use a diamond drag engraver to engrave names onto plated plastic name plates ... all fairly boring letters using templates. So there is any amount of plastic type materials that would be suitable for drag engraving.

O'Brien Engineering here in Sydney has a 'nameplate' division that produces a very comprehensive catalog with recommendations against each product as to whether it is suitable for engraving, laser, drag etc.

I am not sure if I have added inteligently to this discussion, but it is my 2 penneth worth!

Cheers,

Alan

(... always on top at the last hole!!>>>)

Hey greg, if I can help yell out, I have a spring winding machine here at home, so If you know the size shape and length of the required spring I can wind one up for you.

Whats the width of the dragger. Im curious because what youve made there looks a lot like a pen attachment for cnc vinyl machines, the internal pen nib is sprung loaded so it allows the ball nib to roll

Steve thanks for the offer. However the type of spring I need is easy to find. Even bunnings has a reasonable range.

The drag bit that I got has a 1/4" shaft. So basically I just needed a fairly precise 1/4" bore to allow it to slide without any side play.

I have a 1/4" reamer which made me decide on that size. Other shaft sizes are available.

The outer body is much heavier than needed but that is because that's the size of the spindle bracket.

Did some playing with a mirror tile. Looks like only very light pressure is needed on glass.

Greg

Good result.
How far is the cutter compressing while you are engraving?
Do you think it could be used to cut glass shapes?

Rod

I was trying different "depth of cut" to set the downward pressure, if you know what I mean.

In the end I had the spring tension adjustment backed right off and only 1mm depth.

So pressure was light. As well as I can measure about 750 grams.

Don't know how much glass varies in hardness or "Scratchability" if that is a word.

I imagine you could use it to score for cutting. Not sure if it would be as good as a glass cutter.

Greg

Thanks Greg,
It looks like fun and if it does work for cutting glass then my son will be keen to give it a go. I have looked at glass cutter designs before and you have to get the cutter to rotate in a spindle to follow the tangent of the line. Too hard for me to work out so this might be a solution.
Can you send a link to your supplier and I will knock up a prototype to play with.

Rod

If a single point works then that is easier, but don't dismiss a tangential cutter.

I reckon a bloke with your smarts could do it easily.

How about a small nema 17 stepper mounted vertically in place of the spindle.

Glass cutter adapted and mounted directly to the shaft. In line with the centre.

Would need some spring arrangement. That would be simpler in the motor mounting.

Vectric would do the toolpaths. Mach can handle the tangential control.

Piece of cake.

Can get the diamond bits lots of places but most are expensive. I got mine here,

http://www.diamondtool.com/diaengrav.html


Greg

EDIT: This is a possibility to save on making a holder,

http://cgi.ebay.com/DIAMOND-ENGRAVIN...3286.m20.l1116

Greg,
Yeah it is getting the time to do it. With a half finished machine and another two and a mill in front of this one I am pressed for time. Nice and easy projects are a good distraction but anything else goes on the backburner.
Thanks for the link to the diamond bits and I will get a 90 degree as well in hope it will be a finer line for a substitute glass cutter. The granite etching looks interesting too although it reminds me of a headstone but a bit of imagination might produce some nice pieces.