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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: NYRON on January 12, 2020, 10:13:17 AM

Title: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: NYRON on January 12, 2020, 10:13:17 AM

I'm somewhat new to using G10/FR4.

Up to this point, I've mostly needed to cut it and not shape it.

I'm planning to use G10 in our new ILF riser, which I'm producing on a CNC machine.

For those who have machined G10 (or worked with it extensively)...can you get away with carbide tooling or are diamond coated bits a must?

Thanks for the help!

Ron

Title: Re: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: Pine on January 12, 2020, 10:47:18 AM

I've used carbide and High Speed Steel on G10, it's not hard to machine at all.
Just try to climb cut whenever possible.

Title: Re: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: KenH on January 12, 2020, 10:25:43 PM

Would be nice to understand what you're talking about -- doesn't sound like bow-building to me!

Title: Re: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: NYRON on January 13, 2020, 08:19:15 AM

KenH, Along with micarta and phenolic, G10 is commonly used in bow building.

Until now, I've mainly used it as an I-beam for rigidity and weight.

Currently I'm working on a new riser layup, where G10 will form the limb pockets and the back 1/3 of the riser--essentially forming a thick cap.

Title: Re: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: Mad Max on January 13, 2020, 08:27:08 AM

Climb cut (Climb Milling) makes a smoother  finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=galm5_6SUcM

Title: Re: Machining G10/FR4--Carbide or Diamond Tooling?
Post by: KenH on January 13, 2020, 09:37:44 AM

Thanks -- good to know.  My bows are not that sophisticated; just wood and glass lams...