Modeling and carving a sphere

This forum is for general discussion about Aspire
Post Reply
mgoodwin
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:40 am
Model of CNC Machine: Laguna

Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by mgoodwin »

Hello wondering if anyone can tell me how to model a sphere to be cut with a rotary axis. I believe that I have tried every available modeling process. Create a shape, 2 rail sweep, Extrude and spinning and turning. I believe that I need to start with a wrapped job set up but just not sure what to use to get a sphere. I sure have gotten some odd looking creations.
Thanks Much for any help.

Ronwoodson2
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:29 am
Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot Desktop Max, 6 inch indexer
Location: Somerset Kentucky

Re: Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by Ronwoodson2 »

Create your job using Wrapped job setup under gadgets

Create a circle the size you want your sphere
node edit and delete the bottom 2 quadrants
draw 2 lines across the width of your job
align those lines with each side of your semicircle
do a 2rail sweep using lines as rail and semicirclle as vector
specify exact height of radius of semicircle
That has your sphere modeled. but it leaves nothing to hold sphere in place when cutting
Adjust lines inward, and adjust height of model to match. That will leave a stem on each end
Ron Woodson
Somerset, Ky
Ronwoodson2@aol.com

User avatar
dealguy11
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 2462
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Anderson Selexx 510
Location: Henryville, PA

Re: Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by dealguy11 »

1. Do Wrapped job setup with a diameter of your sphere.
Wrapped Job setup.JPG
2. Create the following vectors. I'm assuming wrapping x around y, so if your machine goes the other way, rotate 90 degrees. For this example I've assumed a 4" sphere. The vectors are a semicircle with a 4" diameter and two lines spaced 4" apart
Vectors.JPG
3. Create a 2-rail sweep
2-rail sweep.JPG
4. The sphere has to be held in place by something while it's being cut. To do that, create a zero plane and give it a base height. I gave mine a base height of .25" which will leave a .5" spigot on the sphere. Set the combine mode for all the components to "merge". Here's a picture of what that looks like with toolpath wrapping turned on.
Sphere with spigot.JPG
I'll leave it to you to toolpath it.
Steve Godding
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost

User avatar
Rcnewcomb
Vectric Archimage
Posts: 5886
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:54 am
Model of CNC Machine: 24x36 GCnC/WinCNC with ATC
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Contact:

Re: Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by Rcnewcomb »

You can do it with just vectors you don’t need to create a model.
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

mgoodwin
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:40 am
Model of CNC Machine: Laguna

Re: Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by mgoodwin »

Hello Thanks Much for the help. I am anxious to give it a try.

User avatar
dealguy11
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 2462
Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Anderson Selexx 510
Location: Henryville, PA

Re: Modeling and carving a sphere

Post by dealguy11 »

Randall is right. The 2-rail sweep has always been my go-to approach for this kind of model, but it could also be done with 1 or 2 moulding toolpaths. Although it could be done with 1, I would probably use 2 so that it is cutting down into the wood on both sides for the finish pass.
Steve Godding
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost

Post Reply