Well it is FAR easier to run the router.
If you are running MACH and the CandCNC controller.
In "Ports and Pins" change the spindle to output 2 or 3 instead of 1 (1 is the plasma)
Plug the router into that outlet on the controller.
When you setup the cut in Sheetcam just use the MACH3 Post processor.
Sheetcam will let you do text in that software or you can creat your image in Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator or some such. Get a good graphic artist to show you how!
Some sort of mount for your router.
PPLLC sells the one I used for like $25 and it fits the porter cable trim and laminate router.
Get some engraving bits from Onsrud (enco, msc or Grainger have them and there are other vendors too I use Enco)
You will need to somehow fixture your plate.You can use plywood or UHMW or HDPE and create a fixture... Wait until you see my new fixture!!!! you will LOVE it I swear...
Set your zero off the plate bring your Z down in the middle of the plate and use a slip of paper (thin normal paper is about .0025 thick) until the bit contacts the paper, you will have to move it back and forth as you lower the Z slowly until you can't move the paper, then Zero the Z axis...
find your path origin (in Sheetcam you can set this where you want it.
move the X and Y to that location and Zero both.
Hit RUN....
Your cuts need to be light... no more than .005 with .002 clean up pass and probably .012-.015 in depth if you want to fill....
also your speed needs to be around 30 IPM to get a nice smooth letter.
the router turns at 30k so you will be not taking off much per revolution the chip load will be about .001...
It is important to make sure your plate is level before engraving.
I don't use coolant but you probably should. Cool Tool is what we always used in the engraving shop way back when with the Gorton Pantographs!
If you can tru your fixture every time you use it so much the better.
Try to use fixturing methods that don't stick up above the plate much.
Make your Rapids about .750... so you don't smack the tool on them.
The Hardest part is creating the copy...
Wednesday evening I had a rush job come in, Client needed a flange for a fuel tank to mount the pump for an LS swap into a 71 Chevy Short box.
This will go inside the tank to buck up against the sheet metal to beef it up a bit. He needs it by morning so I took some quick measurements designed it in CAD tool pathed it in Sheetcam, Swapped on the Plasma Cutter and chopped it from a remnant of 3/16 plate I had on hand. I let him off cheap since he is doing the swap for his dad. Yeller is a show truck he did for his dad a couple years back has been in World of Wheels and is a VERY clean truck.
The Small holes were specified as 3/16 for a #10 machine screw.
So 3/16 with plasma is tight, I didn't set it up to do a "Peck" center.
I chased the holes with a twist drill and the drill press.
You can see the DROSS in a couple of the pics but it is not that bad really.
Mostly it just knocks off with a light tap. The Big thing is the SMOOTH cut edge. 30 Amps at 15IPM...
...and great job on that flange.
