Double-sided Sign on a CNC

One of the great things you can do on a CNC router is a double-sided sign. There are some key points to making this work, and work correctly.

• – Controlling depth of cut so you don’t cut through when you cut both faces
• – Controlling the model position in the project when you’re using 3D clip art
• – Registering correctly when you flip the board so that both faces are identical and identically positioned.

For this project we’ll be using VCarve Pro software, and doing the cutting on a ShopBot benchtop CNC with an ATC, automatic tool changer.

Model position

Within VCarve software you can easily control the position of the model. This is done under the toolpath tab using the Material Setup function. We can use this to make sure that, when cutting from both faces, we don’t cut through, and also to position the 3D carving relative to the text.

Registering both faces

It’s easier than you might think to cut both faces of a double sided sign and make certain they’re correctly registered relative to each other. We’ll do this by pinning the project board to the spoil board. You’ll learn how to create the registration holes in VCarve, and how to take advantage of that when mounting your project board.

Cutting your project

Four bits are required for this project, and it’s hard to beat having an automatic tool changer to take the project from start to finish. No stopping and starting and redoing Z-Zero with each bit change. An ATC provides a very efficient way to cut your project.

More Info

For more information on the ShopBot Desktop Max ATC visit ShopBot’s website or call (866) 466-9939.

5 Responses to “Double-sided Sign on a CNC”

1. mikek February 4th, 2020

   Hi George, have been toying about jumping into the CNC world for years but knowing little about the specifics or anyone to mentor me I have not made the plunge (investment) so now I’m that much closer thanks to you.

   Reply

2. Roy February 3rd, 2020

   When doing the first side you could cut the outside but only 1/2 way into the material. when doing the second side also 1/2 deep. I find this gigs me cleaner edges.

   Reply

   • Customer Service February 3rd, 2020

     Hello Roy!

     Thank you for the suggestion! I will forward that on!

     Sincerely,

     Jessica
     Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

     Reply

3. clyde.garlick January 20th, 2020

   What type bits are you using with each tool path?

   Reply

   • Customer Service January 24th, 2020

     Clyde,

     3/8” spiral upcut for clearing the majority of the waste surround the letters and doing the profile cut creating the outside shape

     60-degree V bit for the letters and border

     ¼” spiral upcut to clear the waste around the car

     ¼” ball nose for the car

     -George
     Woodworkers Guild of America

     Reply