Consider Material Resolution for Cutting with Shapeoko

Understanding the physical characteristics and capability of the materials you cut in your CNC machine is vitally important. Here, Kevin takes you through various materials and their unique features. Additionally, he shares a workholding tip that will increase your success with large sheet projects.
VIDEO LINKS:
How to Machine Aluminum
• You Need to Start Mach...
Create an Artist Partnership
• Create an Artistic Par...
6ft Cabinet on 4ft CNC
• Creating Custom Cabine...
ENDMILLS:
MC Etcher
shop.carbide3d.com/collection...

[@emostorm7]

I don't have a shapeoKo, but your content and user experience is top tier. Props to you carbide 3D

[@gizmobowen]

Thanks for the suggestion on the IKEA cutting boards. I'd like to give bamboo plywood a try and this seems like an inexpensive way to give it a try.

[@RecreationalOverEngineering]

LDPE from (used) plastic cutting boards falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to detail, but is very forgiving if you mess up with the feeds and speeds. So I recommend it as a good beginner material or if you want to cut something quick and dirty.

[@dj_tmc]

Super helpful video!! FYI, there's a typo @ 6:05, Says low resolution, instead of high resolution

[@carbide3d]

Glad you enjoyed it.
And…..yes, good catch. Sadly that was missed in the edit bay. Since you cannot switch out files on UA-cam, the mistake will remain.

[@acerjuglans383]

I never heard of Richlite until one day before this video, now I really want to try it.
Another similar product, I think, is Wilsonart Thinscape, basically a 1/2" thick plastic laminate (counter material).
A product similar to the Thinscape is Corian, or any other solid surface material, commonly used for making lithophanes. Something else on my to do list.
And finally, a bio plastic called Acre, made by Modern Mill. This stuff cuts and carves like a DREAM on a CNC, I can speak from personal experience.

[@carbide3d]

Thanks for adding to the conversation. Richlite is terrific. We'll take a look at the other ones you mentioned.

[@YanivWaisman]

Amazing info. Thanks

[@joshuabray37]

Great summary... The material you use really depends on the project. Like with all woodworking projects (and contrary to what some might say, adding a CNC to your toolbox is still "woodworking"), you really have to know the strengths and weaknesses of the material... Throw in some epoxy, and you have a party!

[@johnprouty6583]

Ipé or Brazilian Rosewood, usually used for decking is great for signs that will be outside since it is pretty immune to rotting and splitting in use. I’d call it medium to high resolution and like oak can split when running with the grain. I’ve been using a bunch of left overs from a deck project to make stuff for friends.

[@carbide3d]

John, This is an excellent suggestion. Thanks.

[@myk3l9675]

Awesome video as always!

[@carbide3d]

Thanks Adam.

[@RobertGreiner-os7um]

Hi Kevin thanks for the link to the kissmas tree but I’m only getting some of the parts needed,any suggestions? Thanks

[@carbide3d]

Hit the "L" key to access the layers panel. There you will find the Layers that correspond to the Toolpathing Groups.

[@stiankrogstad1898]

What about birch?

[@gizmobowen]

Thought of couple other materials. First would be extruded polystyrene, like the pink stuff from the big box stores. There's a higher density version, called HDU (high density urethane) that's great for making models and will hold more detail than polystyrene. It is more expensive though.

[@manofomega5268]

What type of tape did you use for the paddle. It sounded like Ore mask. At the 5:48 seconds.

[@carbide3d]

Oramask 813 Stencil Film 12.125 Inches x 25 Foot Roll For Cricut, Silhouette, Cameo, Craft Cutters a.co/d/57C4RCo

[@Magocs]

Your graphic for hi res materials says "low resolution" e.g. @ 9:03
Ooops!

[@carbide3d]

Dang it!!! Great catch. There's no going back now.

[@dangoras9152]

I use G11 its tough to mill.. Keep it up brother

[@carbide3d]

Winston has some of that floating around the shop somewhere.

[@carbide3d]

Thanks for adding to the conversation.

[@RobertGreiner-os7um]

Is there anywhere to buy files for the kissmas tree?

[@carbide3d]

The KissMas Tree is here: cutrocket.com/p/6572061f0d542/

[@brentncindy9023]

I thought Kevin was drunk making this video. Until I realized my 'playback speed' was .75% of normal speed. Try it. It's hilarious!!

[@carbide3d]

🍻🍺🍺🍺 - ☠️

[@YaroslaffFedin]

Teak?

[@carbide3d]

Good question. We have not jumped into teak machining. Perhaps something for us to investigate in the future.

[@user-jz4ss5ii8u]

News flash, bamboo plywood is 2.5X more expensive then baltic birch. 1/2" in my area $320/sheet as of winter/2023, and it's made by 3rd world labor.