Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

[mtylerfl]

I must have missed that Chet wanted cutouts (except perhaps the main outer circle). I thought he was just pocketing around all the internal areas (not wanting to go all the way through the material).

[ChetR]

There is some confusion here....
I do NOT want to cut out the parts for use individually.
The sundial base is actually 3/8" thick.
I am creating a styrofoam pattern that can then be vaporized by molten aluminum in a foundry flask.
(similar to lost wax casting)
So the design is cut into the top half of the actual pattern.
The individual elements remain part of the base.
In more complicated cuts I actually have design features that are cut to a different depth than the surface.
Effectively a bottom, midway, and top, all on top of the 3/16" 10" diameter base.
But that's a whole new learning curve.....
You can see how I've been making these by going to: www.ancrsundials.com
Got to the Testimonials tabs and you can see more examples.
Please please please do not consider this advertising!
This is simply a way to illustrate what I am actually trying to with my new Vectric software,
as opposed to my earlier method of sundial designs....

[LittleGreyMan]

It's not a cutout, as the material thickness is 0.5" and the cutting depth is 0.1875

Chet, when you encounter an issue, better post your file if you don't mind. Somebody will very quickly answer your questions.

[mtylerfl]

Chet, your sundials are fantastic! Man, what a great combo for CNC and foundry work!

I will need to spend more time on your website. Looks very interesting!

Thanks for sharing that with us.

[sharkcutup]

Sorry ChetR

I got rather Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

The sundial I prepared is 12" x 12"

For the most part it was cut using a .25 End Mill but there were some areas like between the numbers in which I had to clean up using a .0625" End Mill

Here is the attached .crv file (Note it was done in VCarve Pro 8.5)

4137 Ann Arbor 4.crv

(1.36 MiB) Downloaded 61 times

Glad to you have got it though!!!

Sharkcutup