Inlay Issues with Mail toolpath

[xoneeleven]

Hello All,
We have an issue with the male inlay toolpath.

When we run the simulator, all that appears are dots on the cut simulation.
Any input on how to remedy this would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a youtube video of the issue:
https://youtu.be/XQZOzIr3hDo

A screenshot of the issue is also attached.

Thanks...
Mark

[ger21]

The toolpath is unchecked when you are trying to preview it.

[xoneeleven]

Hello ger21,
The toolpath tickbox selection does not impact the view, except to outline where a toolpath "should" be.
The problem is, we cannot review an actual "estimate" simulation.

Here is a screenshot of the tickbox being selected. As you can see, it has no impact on the simulation.

The toolpath is unchecked when you are trying to preview it.

[xoneeleven]

NOTE: I just realized that I used the wrong spelling for "Male" in the title of the post.
This was not because of being illiterate. It was an honest typo!

[mtylerfl]

Hello,

If you would post your file, we can likely see instantly what the problem is. BTW - Did you recalc ALL (both) your toolpaths?

[xoneeleven]

Hello Michael,

I will attach the file on this reply.

Note that we did recalc all toolpaths.

Hello,

If you would post your file, we can likely see instantly what the problem is. BTW - Did you recalc ALL (both) your toolpaths?

[mtylerfl]

1) Check the geometry settings you have for the Male Inlay bit. (make sure the diameter is set correctly)

2) Check the depth of the cut on the Male Inlay (did you want it to cut all the way through the 0.5"-thick material?)

Also, did you use the Inlay Toolpath function to create this? It doesn't appear so. I don't think the Male will fit into the female pocket due to the "mixture" of bits (1/16" and 1/8")

[mtylerfl]

Excuse me. Yes, I see you did use the Inlay feature.

The cutout for the Male has a 1/8" bit assigned to it. But the Female pocket has a 1/16" for it's inside perimeter. This won't work - both either need to be 1/8 or 1/16 so the radii will match up. Also, you need to put an offset on one or the other so the parts can fit together (perhaps a 0.02" offset)

I tried to find a video tutorial link for you on the Training page, but failed. The owner's manual covers the Inlay Toolpath feature very well, though.

[xoneeleven]

We did use the inlay tool to create all of the toolpaths.
We have not refined the offset, cut depth, or tool sizes; we ran into the cut issue and started trying to resolve that, first.

1) Check the geometry settings you have for the Male Inlay bit. (make sure the diameter is set correctly)

2) Check the depth of the cut on the Male Inlay (did you want it to cut all the way through the 0.5"-thick material?)

Also, did you use the Inlay Toolpath function to create this? It doesn't appear so. I don't think the Male will fit into the female pocket due to the "mixture" of bits (1/16" and 1/8")

[mtylerfl]

We did use the inlay tool to create all of the toolpaths.
We have not refined the offset, cut depth, or tool sizes; we ran into the cut issue and started trying to resolve that, first.

Yes. (See my post above.)

I forgot to mention...when I assigned a bit to the cutout, it worked and previewed just fine. I think yours will too, once you're finished setting up the bit selections, depths, etc.

[xoneeleven]

Hello Michael,
Would you mind attaching the file that you were able to get the simulation to work in?
I would like to see compare parameters.
My file is still not working, after adding offset and bit matching.

We did use the inlay tool to create all of the toolpaths.
We have not refined the offset, cut depth, or tool sizes; we ran into the cut issue and started trying to resolve that, first.

Yes. (See my post above.)

I forgot to mention...when I assigned a bit to the cutout, it worked and previewed just fine. I think yours will too, once you're finished setting up the bit selections, depths, etc.

[scottp55]

Just a note if you'll be doing many of these, and not always gluing the same day.
Cut the Male first all the way and take it out...then cut the female with no offset...test fit and if needed add the offset gradually for YOUR perfect fit.
Male responds faster to humidity changes than female, and depending on cutter used and conventional/climb cut...offset may not be needed, or may differ.
I cut out batches of Male different "twig" butterfly wedges,and store in ziplocks, and then my Female is a different program centered in the center of the material.
Then I can position the bit where I want instead of measuring cracks, and temporary Zero X,Y and run file with no offset...test fit..and tweak if needed.
2 cents?
scott
Oh, I caliper male thickness the day I glue for a flush fit depth, OR I'll leave slightly proud sometimes for hand sanding for an interesting visual/ tactile feature.

[mtylerfl]

Hello Michael,
Would you mind attaching the file that you were able to get the simulation to work in?
I would like to see compare parameters.
My file is still not working, after adding offset and bit matching.

Hi Mike,

Here is the modified file for your example. I assigned the 0.125" bit for the cutout as well as the inlay perimeter (used a 0.25" EM for the clearance, as you had). Of course, you will make your own modifications/adjustments as needed for your desired outcome, along with bits/feeds/speeds suitable for your machine and material.

I have a 0.02" offset for the female pocket. Follow suggestions per Scott (with the possible exception of having no offset at all).

[xoneeleven]

Thanks, Scott
You have good advice, indeed.
Mark

Just a note if you'll be doing many of these, and not always gluing the same day.
Cut the Male first all the way and take it out...then cut the female with no offset...test fit and if needed add the offset gradually for YOUR perfect fit.
Male responds faster to humidity changes than female, and depending on cutter used and conventional/climb cut...offset may not be needed, or may differ.
I cut out batches of Male different "twig" butterfly wedges,and store in ziplocks, and then my Female is a different program centered in the center of the material.
Then I can position the bit where I want instead of measuring cracks, and temporary Zero X,Y and run file with no offset...test fit..and tweak if needed.
2 cents?
scott
Oh, I caliper male thickness the day I glue for a flush fit depth, OR I'll leave slightly proud sometimes for hand sanding for an interesting visual/ tactile feature.

[xoneeleven]

Thanks, Michael

You have been very good help.

I am looking forward to comparing the files, and learning this process.

Mark

Hello Michael,
Would you mind attaching the file that you were able to get the simulation to work in?
I would like to see compare parameters.
My file is still not working, after adding offset and bit matching.

Hi Mike,

Here is the modified file for your example. I assigned the 0.125" bit for the cutout as well as the inlay perimeter (used a 0.25" EM for the clearance, as you had). Of course, you will make your own modifications/adjustments as needed for your desired outcome, along with bits/feeds/speeds suitable for your machine and material.

I have a 0.02" offset for the female pocket. Follow suggestions per Scott (with the possible exception of having no offset at all).