Hey everyone,
I make 3-sided geocaching-themed lanterns as gifts for friends and to give out at geocaching events we attend. But because painting the 1/4" plywood side panels is such a lengthy process, I’m planning to make the side panels out of 1/8" thick high density polyethylene (HDP).
I have experience with milling 1/16" plexiglass using single flute mills and am thinking of using 1/8" single fluted mills to carve out the figures on the panels. To save time, I’m also thinking of milling the edges at 60 degree angles. But I’m not sure which mills I should be using for those mitred edges. I have a 60 degree double fluted V-bit ( 1/4″ 60 Degree V-Bit | Sienci Labs) that should give me the mitred angle needed, but would appreciate any suggestions you’d have as regards speeds and feeds for using this bit. As well, if there’s another bit more appropriate for producing these mitred edges, I’d like to hear your suggestions.
Thanks, in advance to all those with experience in working with HDP who’ve offered their advice.
All the best,
Marty from Kingston, ON,
@ApexWoodworks Marty: I’ve done little with HDP and PVC, but have found that those scraper-style v-bits are not the best for chamfering. I have downcut spiral v-bits from both spetools and cadence mfg. I’ve had good results from both, with spe getting the nod for price. Cadence may be better for longevity, but I have not used them enough yet to determine that.
Well, I went ahead with the job and as you can see from my Instagram video, things worked out very well. I did, however use my Amana 1/4" V, 3-fluted bit which I sourced from Lee Valley to do the mitres.
A downcut bit would now work with plastics, as it would cause heat buildup and the material being fused together.
Do you cut the squares in individual pieces and then bond together; or is there just a 60° groove that doesn’t go all the way through, which then allows you to bend 3 squares into a prism?
