DIY Contrast Cutting? i.e. Beveling

Gore · Dec 12, 2017

IF you're into cars or motorcycles you probably know what contrast cutting is...essentially it's a beveled edge that exposes the raw aluminum on a black painted/powdercoated part.

I was curious if any of you have found a way to do this on other parts, perhaps non-automotive. I was thinking I could use a beveled router bit to get that look???

Anyways...just fishing for ideas or pics.

tarbellb · Dec 12, 2017

Post some examples, I think I know what you are talking about but would help.

Plus this lot like photos, you get more clicks and responses usually.

peterhall · Dec 12, 2017

People use lasers to burn off paint/powder to expose the stainless tumblers for custom logos. But that doesn't leave much of an etching

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Gore · Dec 12, 2017

tarbellb said:
Post some examples, I think I know what you are talking about but would help.

Plus this lot like photos, you get more clicks and responses usually.

Can we post 3rd party pics?

Here is the bike wheel I designed (but I didn't machine)...

http://buywitchdoctors.com/images/product_2909_02_full.jpg

tarbellb · Dec 13, 2017

Gore said:
Can we post 3rd party pics?

Here is the bike wheel I designed (but I didn't machine)...

http://buywitchdoctors.com/images/product_2909_02_full.jpg

Not my style, but still pretty cool.

And yeah, you can post 3rd party pics. Just dont claim them as yours or give credit to author.

As for your question, I suppose you could run a standard router (or even palm router) with a carbide bit on aluminum for that effect. It would be a hairy situation if taking off more than a very light pass? Or pay a pro machinist?

paranoid56 · Dec 14, 2017

use a router table and a bit. I do it all the time to put a 1/8" roundover on my alu parts.

CudaChick1968 · Dec 17, 2017

Do all your cutting first and then get it coated. You'd be surprised what some people can do with powder.

Gore · Dec 18, 2017

CudaChick1968 said:
Do all your cutting first and then get it coated. You'd be surprised what some people can do with powder.

Do you mean they essentially just mask the beveled edges?

CudaChick1968 · Dec 18, 2017

Gore said:
Do you mean they essentially just mask the beveled edges?

Multiple colors on different profile heights require different techniques (pretty much trade secret territory) depending on whether it's raised or recessed, but masking can be one of them. These pics of two separate sets of Jensen valve covers and the 5-color Ford Racing set should help illustrate.