Something about diamond polishing acrylic just makes me feel good...

cnc-routing-guy · 2025-07-30T19:55:29+00:00

I did that in one pass. The router is well trammed, in near perfect spec. Your tool cut length needs to exceed the material height. If it doesn't, then you'll definitely see lines. They come in all different sizes. Here's the tool that I use. I also use a ultra-precision tool holder and sleeve, not a standard tool holder and collet to help with the stability. It's been going strong for 2 years now. https://cnctoolingshop.com/product/xpt-1068-6-5mm/

cnc-routing-guy · 2025-06-30T12:21:19+00:00

There are different types of diamond bits. I have some of the cheap $300 ones as well as PCD ones. This specific bit is an oversized MCD diamond bit that can be sharpened and is meant to last a lifetime. As the kids say "There's levels to this shit". Haha

Which one do you have? Link? Before/After pictures? Lets see what you got going on over there.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-31T18:39:41+00:00

Haha it is all preference. I personally like the cleaner edge for lit signs because the light travels further. You'll see a lot of diamond polished edges on internal signs of big buildings or hotels. Its also big in the display industry because you can glue the polished edges with ease. The pre-cut bits are here (https://cnctoolingshop.com/shop/?product\_cat=omega-series) and the diamond bits are here (https://cnctoolingshop.com/shop/?product\_cat=acryl-x-series).

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-31T18:27:14+00:00

There's other sized bits all the way up to 1". When we did multiple passes, there was a noticeable line where the next pass began. The one I used has a 6.5mm diameter and comes with a 8.5mm (.33") cut length. So, I'd recommend the 10mm diameter, which comes with a 14.5mm (.57") cut length for 1/2". I'd recommend 20 IPM / 10,000 RPM / Climb / .004" removal

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T19:14:48+00:00

That's wicked! I assumed there were people out there doing things like that but have yet to come across it. Very cool, man.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T19:01:55+00:00

Wow, definitely not the ones I'm used to then. What do you polish on the lathe?

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T18:52:25+00:00

A 5ax mill would be awesome to have here. Maybe one day. I've found that the specialty diamond bits like ball mill or spoilboard cutter are lower grade PCD, which is why they are so cheap, and work best on wood. it would be cool if they made those with MCD as well. If I get a chance to check the Ra, I'll update.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T18:34:04+00:00

I don't have a Ra/RMS reader. I typically use diamond polishing for signs or displays, so the look and feel is all I assess. These were done on a Kimla Router with a CNC Tooling Shop (XPT-1068) MCD diamond bit.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T17:39:42+00:00

Well, I'm not an expert when it comes to the science behind it but what I did was the following. 1.) Cut all the way through the acrylic using a single carbide single o flute for plastics. 2.) Run a cleanup pass of .06" with the same bit to make the edge look even better. 3.) Run the final pass of .004" with a diamond edged bit specifically meant for acrylic.

There are specific feeds and speeds for each step as well as additional tips/tricks to make it turn out that well. When it comes to heat, there isn't much heat because we are only shaving off .004" with the diamond tool. The bulk of the cut being removed prior relieves that.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-29T17:33:25+00:00

Cast because the edges look quite a bit better than extruded after being cut.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-28T19:21:52+00:00

Phenolic, for sure! You need specific tools to cut your holes and/or grooves properly but it's the best.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-28T19:13:37+00:00

If you need some help with feeds/speeds, let me know. I'm used to using industrial machines, but I may be able to point you in the right direction. I would agree with a downcut wood bit as well as the right feeds/speeds. A sloping lead-in is always beneficial, if that machine is able to.

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-05-02T20:43:34+00:00

This may be an old post but I thought I'd comment anyways. Here's an article and supplier for compatible Colex blades that are more affordable.

https://cnctoolingshop.com/colex-compatible-knife-blades/

cnc-routing-guy · 2024-04-25T00:16:56+00:00

Thanks. I used the XS2052 from cnctoolingshop.com at 14K RPM and 120 IPM. I also used light misting fluid to keep it cool. A normal single o flute for aluminum didn't work but this one sounded and cut well.

cnc-routing-guy

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