Brief Description: CNC capability and Switch Plate engraving
Part of the journey in building the RV10 was to learn and build new capabilities. After using my son's commercial grade laser to etch switch plates, will less than perfect results, I planned on having him use his CNC to engrave the plates.
Well over a period of about 18 months the plan evolved to me getting my own CNC router and doing the plates myself. At first my son was going to give (yes for free) me his small machine as he had purchased a very large and capable CNC router for his shop. Then he realized for much of what he did in his shop, the smaller machine was faster and easier. To make me feel better about the reversal he gave me a $1000 credit he had earned from the CNC Router company towards my own machine.
At around $1500 out the door, an X-Carve from Inventibles was just too tempting, and I purchased my own 36" X 36" CNC router. It comes in a kit that you have to assemble. Then there is the software mastery to get it up and doing useful things. So, there you have one of the reasons the build has slowed somewhat.
After many hours of attempts and adjustments, I am now in business engraving my own switch plates. The material I am using is engraving plastic with black on clear base. I engrave from the back, or black side, leaving the transparent face untouched and allowing the back lighting. I can now finish this section of the build once and for all.
