New design Drag Knife for my table

[acourtjester]

I had build and used a Drag Knife on my table before, but after getting a 3 D printer and wanting to learn to create 3 D files. I have developed a new one for my table that I attach to the router when it is on the table. The Drag Knife holder is a free floating assembly where the weight of the moving parts is used for the cutting pressure. This can be seen in the attached video.
Also shown is an aluminum Logo plaque I attempted but had to much acid in my fix which got under some of the vinyl letters. will do better next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn1Xh9P ... e=youtu.be

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[SeanP]

Wow that's an impressive design you came up with Tom, a good challenge for your 3d printing venture.
Never seen the acid etching before, your not far off with that at all, how long does it take to get to that stage?

[acourtjester]

Thanks I used Hydrogen Peroxide and Muriatic Acid (65% to 35%) for about 20 minutes give about 0.006" etched away.
It will work on Brass too, same ingredients for making PC circuit boards different %s.
This one turned out better, I will be powder coating it and then sanding off the letter parts.

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[rdj357]

wet finger wipe the letters before curing the powder! NIce work!

[Scratch]

Looking good! I'm still debating if I should get a dedicated vinyl cutter, or just add a drag knife to my table. Yours looks pretty simple and easy. Decisions, decisions...

[acourtjester]

Thanks rdj357
Both SeanP and I have added one to our table very easy to create a G-code, image from Inkscape and in SheetCam I used Mach3 plain post processor with a tool shown below and cut with no offset. Just run to blade down touching the vinyl plus about 0.125" more and set that at Z Zero, back the up about 0.50" ans hit start. The knife rides around the vinyl under it own weight cutting as it moves around. Like in the video. I can print you a holder or complete assembly shown above.

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[ggeh]

I had build and used a Drag Knife on my table before, but after getting a 3 D printer and wanting to learn to create 3 D files. I have developed a new one for my table that I attach to the router when it is on the table. The Drag Knife holder is a free floating assembly where the weight of the moving parts is used for the cutting pressure. This can be seen in the attached video.
Also shown is an aluminum Logo plaque I attempted but had to much acid in my fix which got under some of the vinyl letters. will do better next time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn1Xh9P ... e=youtu.be

DSCN2998.JPG

DSCN3029.JPG

DSCN3032.JPG

DSCN3035.JPG

You amaze me with the ideas you have and are able to build them from scratch. It looks like your parts turned out really great. I was toying with the idea of a 3d printer. Was wondering what kind of 3d printer you have and if there is certain type you might recommend.
Thanks Gary

[acourtjester]

Thank you sir, it is a joy to build the things I do, and happy to past things along, like pay back for the help I have received.
As for the 3D printer I have it is a Tevo Tarantula and I paid just under $200 delivered, you may look at the auto leveling option if you want one.
It is a great 3D printer but some have had problems, this is mainly due to the setup of the printing in the software. I have printed some improvements with the printer for the printer like 2 Z lead screws. There is all kinds of free files to print or you can design your own. I have learned 123D design to draw out the STL files and convert to print files using a free "slicer program" this is CAM software for 3D printing.
If you want other info send me your email in a PM.
have fun, 2 newer 3D files I drew up and printed attached, for an Arduino controller housing.
https://www.3dprintersbay.com/tevo-tarantula-3d-printer

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[ggeh]

Thank you for taking the time and all the information. Gary