F engrave really is a great tool for doing simply inlays and engraving.  And being free, I can afford to use it.  Works outstanding with wood, but I am having some issues engraving aluminum.

I am trying to get some letters engraved, kind of like a serial number, with letters about .187 in.  My problem is that my v bits are a little too wide an angle for this small a work.  I am using .03 tip with a 90* angle.  I can't seem to get to a useful depth and still have clean letters and numbers.  Also, engraving it really cuts deep in wide lines, I am assuming because it is trying to cut the entire line in one pass with the v bit, so it has to go deep to get the proper width.

What size bit would someone suggest for small work?  Is there any useful primer for a beginner on this software?

Thx
Dan

Perhaps try an engraving point (bit) at about 30deg. angle for your serial numbers. You may have to use multi-pass at increasing depths (dependent on the total depth you need).

Tweakie.

Thanks.  30 degrees it is.

  Also, engraving it really cuts deep in wide lines, I am assuming because it is trying to cut the entire line in one pass with the v bit, so it has to go deep to get the proper width.

Looks a though you might be using the V-Carve function ? ? ?
You should probably just use Engrave to your desired depth.

Not sure what you mean by "proper width" mentioned above. If  V-Carving, 30 deg. will go much deeper than 90.

I could be way off   .......    again. 
Russ

Tried both.  The engrave seems to want to outline the letters and VCarve just cuts them, but I think that is a depth issue.

What font are you using ?
A stick font would probably be best.

tried Arial and Times

Tried both.  The engrave seems to want to outline the letters and VCarve just cuts them, but I think that is a depth issue.

I think you should be using a single line font. Sounds like you are using a boxed or open font engraving around the perimeter of the character.
Try it with the font that comes with F-Engrave .. normal.cxf
It is a single line font. Just set your depth, do not VCarve.

Tha'ts what I use along with a small center drill for the cutter, works a treat in aluminum.
Russ

Here is an example of the differences ... and an article that you might find helpful.

http://blog.capinc.com/2011/07/solidworks-tech-tip-the-best-font-for-cam-part-2/

Cheers 
Russ

Thanks, that should help