Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

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ChetR
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Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by ChetR »

I am attempting to convert to VCarve Desktop from a different system I was using.
I enter my bitmap and do an autotrace, but no matter which toolpath I choose, outline or pocket, the wrong part of the pattern is being cut out.
I cannot figure out how to rectify this.
I've attached of the unintended result.
Anyone have an insight as how to correct this situation?
Attachments
The software wants to cut out the design, whereas I need the background removed....
The software wants to cut out the design, whereas I need the background removed....

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FixitMike
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by FixitMike »

Add a rectangular vector slightly larger than the material. Or add a circle that is larger than the pattern. Select that along with the pattern for the pocket toolpath.
Good judgement comes from experience.
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martin54
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by martin54 »

Not really sure what you want to do with it from your post sorry probably me :oops: :oops:

There are a lot of very helpful tutorials so if you are new to the software then it would be a good idea to work your way through them from the start, they will answer a lot of the questions you may have, if you download the tutorial files you can work alongside the video if you have dual monitors or a second computer :lol: :lol:

These 2 on profile & pocket toolpaths may help with your current question

http://support.vectric.com/tutorials/V9 ... ideo_id=35

http://support.vectric.com/tutorials/V9 ... ideo_id=34

ChetR
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by ChetR »

Thank you for offering your suggestions...
Let me add a picture of the original .bmp file
Everything white should be the cutout area.
The black lines should not be cut.
And whether I use profile or pocket, I end up with the black lines being cut out....
Other thoughts????
Attachments
4137 Ann Arbor 4.jpg

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Adrian
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by Adrian »

As Mike said add another vector outside of the main shape.
Attachments
fox.jpg

joeporter
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by joeporter »

It's a matter of selecting the right vectors in the right order. To set up the V-Carve, I selected the outer ring (shown) hold "Shift" then select the inner ring, keep holding "Shift" then the numbers and hit "calculate" and it should work for you. This is just a partial example of your project, but this is a process to complete the entire carving...joe
Attachments
Vector Selection.JPG
ToolPath.JPG
Time Ring.JPG

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FixitMike
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by FixitMike »

joeporter wrote:It's a matter of selecting the right vectors in the right order. To set up the V-Carve, I selected the outer ring (shown) hold "Shift" then select the inner ring, keep holding "Shift" then the numbers and hit "calculate" and it should work for you. This is just a partial example of your project, but this is a process to complete the entire carving...joe
Easier to click and drag a box around everything. Or just press Control A to select everything. After adding the extra border, of course.
The order of selection doesn't affect the resulting carving. Unless you are calculating the toolpath before all of the vectors are selected.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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adze_cnc
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by adze_cnc »

My thoughts:

1. don't bother adding an extra boundary vector
2. use a v-carve/engraving toolpath with a flat depth set to what you were trying to pocket
3. the vectors for the v-carve/engraving toolpath (or pocket if you insist on using it) would be all vectors except the outer-most circle
4. after the v-carve/engraving toolpath is done create a profile toolpath using the outer-most vector to cut the disk free
5. read the help file's entries on all the various toolpath options

ChetR
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by ChetR »

Thanks, guys, for the great input!
Adrian, you achieved what I'm trying to achieve. Love to know the steps it took you to get there!
Joeporter, thanks for the partial example of "getting there"
And thanks to FixitMike for the suggestion to create an additional boundry!
I'll be checking out all of your suggestions tomorrow...
I've printed out all of your suggestions and will go through them one by one and I'll post the results.
Hopefully there will be one very happy fellow at the keyboard tomorrow afternoon!!!

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Adrian
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by Adrian »

I added an extra circle vector just outside the outer one (1/4" on the scale of 12" for the outer circle) and then selected all the vectors and created a pocket toolpath.

You could also skip adding the extra vector and select all the vectors other than the outside circle for your toolpath and then use a separate toolpath to cut the outer profile.

Many, many ways of doing it, each with their own advantages and disadvantages but it all depends on what the end goal is. Profile cuts would be quicker (inside cut with all vectors apart from the outside one) than a pocket or a Vcarve but it all depends on what the end goal for the piece is.

ChetR
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by ChetR »

SUCCESS!
My problem was that I was checking the USE LARGER AREA CLEARANCE TOOL
(I had wanted to use a 1/4" mill to clear the larger areas.)
Once I unchecked that option, the results were what I wanted!
So now I must figure out how to correctly use the ULAC tool.
Many thanks to everyone for their help!
I am grateful for such a dedicated community.
Attachments
4137 Vectric.JPG

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FixitMike
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by FixitMike »

I'm afraid that was not your problem. Your "success" picture has an added circle vector around the rest of the vectors.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

ChetR
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Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:00 pm
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by ChetR »

Hi Fixit Mike!
IF I do the pattern, even with the extra circle, and check the box for the Large Area Clearance Tool, I go back to my original problem.
The lines are cut out rather than the area around the lines.
Try it.... I don't understand why it happens, only that it happens....

LittleGreyMan
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by LittleGreyMan »

Why don't you simply post your file?
You'll get very quickly an answer on this forum.
Without the file, we can only try guessing what's happening.
As Vectric products are very reliable, you are probably doing something wrong (no offense intended, this happens a lot when you switch from one app to another one).
Maybe a too large clearance tool?
Best regards

Didier

W7 - Aspire 8.517

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sharkcutup
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Re: Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

Post by sharkcutup »

4137 Ann Arbor 4(mine).jpg
Is this what you are trying to accomplish?

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