routered pattern into MDF

[BlindSquirrel]

I have a geometric pattern that I hand routered into a piece of MDF that I would like to duplicate several times. The original took 2 hours so I don't relish duplicating this task. What are my options? Can it be easily duplicated in a cabinet shop? CNC? Engravers? I have a file of the pattern in case there is a computer method that would work...

Any recommendations?

 

[motman241]

"Routered"?

If your MDF piece is routed all the way through, that can be your pattern for duplication. The other way would be to make the pattern with a bandsaw or something. Secure that to your MDF, and use one of the routing bits that you can just 'trace' around it.
[image]http://www.bearmeadow.com/build/methods/ornament/back/images/router/routing-maj-bout-pass1.jpg[/image]

 

[BlindSquirrel]

Unfortunately it is a shallow pattern (lines), 1/8" deep max, into a 3/4" thick MDF.

Here it is

You can see the boo-boos that I hope to avoid by using some sort of computerized duplication method.

 

[TK7903]

Thats not gonna be easy to use a router while tracing the original.

I would see if there are any machine shops around that could help you.

Maybe a cnc type router?

 

[fettster]

dont know if this is helping but couldnt you mold it and make resin copys?

 

[Honus]

You need someone that has one of these: http://www.shopbottools.com/

They have a forum here: http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/discus.cgi

There are listings there of people that have them and do work for others.

Hope this helps.

 

[Matsuo]

Thats a job for a laser engraver.

M

 

[Gordon Gekko]

How many do you need?

 

[BlindSquirrel]

This is a stand for my giant plastic Balrog figure
Balrog Showoff Thread
It will also have a dwarvish column that will support hit weight since his flimsy roto legs CAN'T. I've got two friends that also bought the Balrog and want some way to display it. Plus I want to explore my options in case there are others who would want one, too.

fettster- Since it has to support the column, I'm leary about casting is as a hollow shell.

Honus- That looks like exactly the thing to use...hopefully it's not too expensive.

Matsuo- How deep can a laser engraver go? Would I contact an engraving shop?

 

[Gordon Gekko]

A laser can easily do 1/8" deep. And I believe we are in the same area.

 

[dijinn]

Depending on the wattage of the laser engraver, it can cut all the way through MDF. The laser's power can be adjusted in percentage increments to prevent cutting all the way through MDF and thus engravig or cutting out the little channels that you routed by hand.

You should probably contact an engraving shop, perhaps a mom&pop type of trophy store in your area, and I'm sure they could lead you to someone who has a laser engraver in your area.

- J.



<div class='quotetop'>(BlindSquirrel @ Nov 7 2006, 11:03 AM) [snapback]1352633[/snapback]</div>

This is a stand for my giant plastic Balrog figure
Balrog Showoff Thread
It will also have a dwarvish column that will support hit weight since his flimsy roto legs CAN'T. I've got two friends that also bought the Balrog and want some way to display it. Plus I want to explore my options in case there are others who would want one, too.

fettster- Since it has to support the column, I'm leary about casting is as a hollow shell.

Honus- That looks like exactly the thing to use...hopefully it's not too expensive.

Matsuo- How deep can a laser engraver go? Would I contact an engraving shop?
[/b]

 

[clonesix]

It looks to me to be a repeating pattern, so I would say yes, you can make an MDF template and a tracing bit on the router.
It would also be necessary to be able to index the pattern so that you get the same spacing each time, for each copy.

It sounds like a lot of work. Look into an engraver first.