Panel label overlays with a hobby grade CNC router

[gregc]

I used rub-on lettering for panel labels but even with a clear coat over them, it does not look like they are going to be very durable. Having seen a few YouTube videos on low cost hobby grade CNC routers I wondered if they could create decent engraved overlays. These machines lack rigidity which reduces accuracy but with some care, they work pretty well. The picture shows one done in 2 layer plastic with a V bit and the same thing in 2024 aluminum with a small ball end mill.

panel_labels.jpg

[dramsey]

Looks really nice! I have a neighbor who did a similar look with laser engraving. He soldered in a bunch of LED’s and backlit it as well.