settings for a pen/pencil tool?

This forum is for general discussion about Cut3D
Post Reply
mristau
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2014 9:58 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 1100x1100mm Shapeoko
Location: Northern Colorado
Contact:

settings for a pen/pencil tool?

Post by mristau »

New to CNC and working with cut2D trial version...

Need help setting up the definition of a pen or pencil tool and sheet material 2mm thick.

I've built a 1100x1100mm Shapeoko style CNC. The Z axis zeros to the top limit switch. So, movement toward the drawing surface is in increasing negative values. (I find this confusing. Seems the top of the paper should be zero?)

Also curious why cut2D does not import SVG...

Help greatly appreciated! :?

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14544
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: settings for a pen/pencil tool?

Post by Adrian »

You should be able to set the Z-zero anywhere you want it. The top switch on most CNC's is normally used as a limit switch. If you move the z down until it touches the top of the paper you should have a command in your controller software to zero the Z at that point.

None of the Vectric programs import SVG although they can export it. It's not a widely used format in the mainstream CNC world. DXF and EPS are much more common.

mristau
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2014 9:58 pm
Model of CNC Machine: 1100x1100mm Shapeoko
Location: Northern Colorado
Contact:

Re: settings for a pen/pencil tool?

Post by mristau »

Thanks Adrian

Should a "pen tool" be set up similar to a v-bit? And, since the spindle is not powered, will the resulting g-code need to be edited?

User avatar
Adrian
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 14544
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
Location: Surrey, UK

Re: settings for a pen/pencil tool?

Post by Adrian »

Doesn't really matter how you define the tool as you'll be doing a Profile On toolpath which uses the centre of the bit.

If the Post Processor you use automatically creates code that turns the spindle on when you load the toolpath then you'll need to edit that out or create a Post Processor that doesn't have the set of instructions in it.

Post Reply