CNC Wood Inlays: Quick Guide

# CNC Wood Inlays: Quick Guide

## Equipment & Bits
- **Tapered Ball Nose Bit**: Amana (6.2°), SpeTool (5.26°), 1/4" shank.
- **Clearing Bit**: 1/8” upcut.

## Software Settings (VCarve Pro)
- **Toolpath**: VCarve with bit switched to etching bit in software. Diameter = twice the radius.

## Cutting Depths
- **Pocket (Negative)**: Start depth 0.0”, flat depth 0.25”.
- **Inlay (Positive)**: Start depth 0.27”, flat depth 0.01”.

## Operation
- **Speed**: Run tapered ball nose bit at 30-40 ipm, keep it slow.
- **Orientation**: Flip horizontally one of the parts for alignment.

## Materials
- **Blanks**: Use 1/2” for positives.

## Glue-Up
- **Testing**: Perform test cuts with slight variations in start depths. Glue inlay, let dry, and inspect by cutting in half.
- **Pressing**: Use a shop press for even pressure during glue-up.

### Note:
Achieving a zero glue gap involves precision in cutting depths and careful glue-up. Adjust based on test results for optimal fit.

1/8" endmill (I use this for the smaller clearing pass areas on the 15 degree bit cuts)
* Pass Depth: 0.30 in
* Stepover: 0.10 in
* Speed: 19,200 rpm
* Feed Rate: 50 ipm

1/4" endmill (I use this for the larger clearing pass areas on the 15 degree bit cuts)
* Pass Depth: 0.30 in
* Stepover: 0.05 in
* Speed: 19,200 rpm
* Feed Rate: 40 ipm