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.
Modeling and carving a sphere
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- Posts: 33
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- Model of CNC Machine: Shopbot Desktop Max, 6 inch indexer
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Re: Modeling and carving a sphere
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
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
- dealguy11
- Vectric Wizard
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- Joined: Tue Sep 22, 2009 9:52 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Anderson Selexx 510
- Location: Henryville, PA
Re: Modeling and carving a sphere
1. Do Wrapped job setup with a diameter of your sphere.
I'll leave it to you to toolpath it.
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
3. Create a 2-rail sweep
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.I'll leave it to you to toolpath it.
Steve Godding
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost
- Rcnewcomb
- Vectric Archimage
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Re: Modeling and carving a sphere
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
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop
Re: Modeling and carving a sphere
Hello Thanks Much for the help. I am anxious to give it a try.
- 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
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
Not all who wander (or wonder) are lost