Pocket tip
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- Vectric Apprentice
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Pocket tip
Maybe this was known but I stumbled upon it. I needed to pocket mdf to receive a plate. The plate was a tapered rectangle with rounded corners so measuring and creating vectors was iffy. I used my best guess, cut the pocket and it was a tad too small. Then using the same file I entered (-) 0.01 in the pocket allowance box, recalculated and ran the cut. Of course it cut air, but the last pass enlarged the pocket 0.01 all around and the plate dropped right in. The pocket was enlarged 0.02 than original so bear this in mind when determining the pocket allowance. Hope this helps someone. Jim
- mtylerfl
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Re: Pocket tip
Thank you, Jim. I’m sure that tip will be helpful for many.
Michael Tyler
facebook.com/carvebuddy
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-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
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- mtylerfl
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Re: Pocket tip
I was thinking others might chime in with the alternate methods of enlarging a pocket. I’ll go ahead and share one then...
Create an Offset vector 0.01” larger than the original pocket vector. Run a Profile Toolpath on the Inside of that new vector with the same bit and set at the same depth as the pocket. That way, no air cutting to wait for. Just a single pass all around.
Create an Offset vector 0.01” larger than the original pocket vector. Run a Profile Toolpath on the Inside of that new vector with the same bit and set at the same depth as the pocket. That way, no air cutting to wait for. Just a single pass all around.
Michael Tyler
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
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- jimwill2
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Re: Pocket tip
On a flat object like that, You should be able to scan it and open the jpg. Measure something easy (like a circle hole) then resize the vectors so the hole is exact. I could be wrong.
Jim Williams
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Re: Pocket tip
Or put a ruler in the same scanjimwill2 wrote:On a flat object like that, You should be able to scan it and open the jpg. Measure something easy (like a circle hole) then resize the vectors so the hole is exact. I could be wrong.
Paul Rowntree
WarpDriver, StandingWave, Topo and gadgets available at PaulRowntree.weebly.com
WarpDriver, StandingWave, Topo and gadgets available at PaulRowntree.weebly.com
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- Vectric Apprentice
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Re: Pocket tip
Thanks for the replies and fixes. I will try those next time. My tip was putting a negative value in the allowance box and it worked. Fun (most of the time) to experiment
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Re: Pocket tip
My document scanner has the option to save as a PDF. When it does so, it saves at 1:1, which is very handy for scanning and tracing smaller items. Also, you don't have to create another vector. Just run a inside profile using the same vector as the pocket, and select your offset from that menu. I use this process often for pocketing for jigs to sneak up on that tight fit.
Connor Bredin
Distinctive Dimensional Concepts Ltd.
www.distinctive-concepts.ca
Distinctive Dimensional Concepts Ltd.
www.distinctive-concepts.ca
- FixitMike
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Re: Pocket tip
Here's a picture that shows how positive and negative allowances work for both pockets and profiles.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.
Experience comes from bad judgement.