Bitmap toolpath frustration.....

[ChetR]

Hi Sharkcutup!
Yes, that is exactly what I am trying to achieve.
But, in addition to my 1/16th" end mill for detail cutting, I want to be able to clear the larger areas with a 1/4" end mill.
Thoughts?
---
And a note to LittleGreyMan, are you referring to the completed g-code?
I've never taken the design all the way to coding for a specific output.

[joeporter]

Chet, just from following this along, I am under the impression that you are only selecting the outer and or inner vectors only and ignoring the rest of the vectors (like the numbers and design, etc.) and thinking the software is aware of them. You have to select the parts you don't want cut also. This is what I am thinking anyway. Hope this is of some help.....joe

[ChetR]

Hi joeporter!
I can successfully create my tool path as long as I do not choose the Pocket Tool and check the "Use Larger Area Clearance Tool"
If I check the LACT tool, the tool paths no longer cut the right areas....
Because my pattern is 10" in diameter, I need to use a 1/4" end mill to clear the open areas.

[LittleGreyMan]

Why are you so reluctant to post your file?

Without knowing what's wrong in your file, we can have a very looooong thread…

[FixitMike]

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....

If you check the box for the large area clearance tool, and don't run the resulting pocket toolpath, you aren't doing all of the cutting required. Look at the preview using both toolpaths for how it will look if done correctly. Please read the Help-Help contents for how the toolpaths work.

[ChetR]

First, a note to littlegreyman, I do not know what code you are referring to...
Do you want me to output the file and create a code for some specific machine?
-----
And FixItMike I am including three screen shots:
1. For a single tool cut
2. The toolpaths with the LACT being added (note both tool paths are being cut)
3. The fisnished double tool path cut. This is very problematic as many areas are no longer cut out
(for example between the Roman Numerals in the outer ring)
I hope the photos will help clarify the situation.....

[LittleGreyMan]

I'm not referring to any code. Just post your Vcarve file.

It seems you only run the simulation for "pocket 2" toolpath and not for "pocket 2 [clear]".

When you use the clearance tool, Vcarve generates 2 toolpaths, 1 for each tool.

It's very important to read the manual. One of the best software manuals I ever saw. You'll save a lot of time.

[ChetR]

OK, LittleGrayMan, I think I finally understand what you are asking for.
Please find attached the original file.
I normally work with .bmp files, which also work in the Vectric program, but the forum does not allow .bmp's so I converted it to .jpg for you to see.

[mtylerfl]

Chet! Not your Bitmap!

Post your .crv file. That's the file format of VCarve when you save your work. That's the file LGM is referring to. Again, post the .crv file.

[ChetR]

Up until now I have never saved my file.
I completed the process as I have done it in the past, and saved it.
I have attached the .crv file from that save.....

[FixitMike]

You have to run both the Pocket 1 and the Pocket 1 [Clear] toolpaths. Your screen shot 3 shows only the Pocket 1 toolpath being cut.

Just as LGM said.

[ChetR]

FIRST, a very big thank you to everyone who offered help in resolving my issues using VCarve Desktop.
I ran the program again this morning and clicked the "Preview All Toolpaths" button and discovered my perfectly cut sundial pattern!
A special Thank You to FixItMike who first suggested I needed that outer circle.
This group has shown me incredible patience and I am very grateful!

[mtylerfl]

Excellent, Chet! You got it now!

[adze_cnc]

My thought is that if you truly want the cut as pictured with the letters free floating then why bother with the pocket at all? Why not just profile around each shape (letters, outer ring, and fox head & inner ring with tick marks) and just toss the resulting waste pieces?

[Adrian]

Exactly my point earlier in the post. Without knowing what the end result was going to it was impossible to be able to say the best way to cut the piece. Now we know the profile cut would be the most efficient out of the four or five different methods suggested.