Setting zero point

[EugeneJohn]

Can someone answer the question, Is it possible to set the zero point on the outline of a part, if so how is it done, as I have tried several ways with no luck?
Thank you.

[lockeyone]

This is what I use when I really want get it right on.
http://www.lasercenteredgefinder.com/

[JamesB]

Hi Eugene,

I am not exactly sure what you are asking. Perhaps if you can explain with more detail what you want to do and why then we can help. Or perhaps Lockeyone's suggestion is what you needed?

Thanks,
James

[EugeneJohn]

I am sorry for the confusion that I seemed to have caused. But what I meant was how do you set the Zero point on the path.
I like the idea of a laser pointer, but it sounds expensive.
Regards to all,
Eugene.

[EugeneJohn]

Can no one give me an answer to the question. How do you set the zero point on path?
regards to all.

[CRFultz]

Can no one give me an answer to the question. How do you set the zero point on path?
regards to all.

Are you using Cut3D? Do you have VCarve Pro? Do you have a V3M file?
Have you downloaded the eps outline of the V3D file.

I'm not familiar with the term Zero point.
All machines will have a reference to home position so I'm guessing you would like to make your home position...(0X; 0Y; 0Z)

on the profile vector of what you are trying to cut.

If I needed to start my cut on the profile vector i would import the V3M file into VCP and offset the vector out wards by .1 then select that and offset in wards by the same amount. (or download the eps outline).

then enter into node edit and select the start point node.

[Tony Mac]

But what I meant was how do you set the Zero point on the path.

Hi Eugene,

We are struggling to understand what it is you are trying to do?

If you are positioning a 3D toolpath on an existing part then most customers are using
the following approach.

In Vector Art Machinsit / Cut3D
Set the X0 Y0 Origin to be the Middle of the 3D Clipart model and calculate the toolpaths.

On the CNC machine
Move the tip of the cutter to the center position on the material where you wish to carve
the 3D elements, and set this to be the X0 Y0 origin position. Then run the toolpath.

An alternative approach is to measure the distance on the machine table to the center
position of where the 3D Carving is needed. In the software enter the X and Y Offsets
before calculating the toolpaths.

Let us know if this is what you are looking for?

Tony

[EugeneJohn]

Hi,
Thank you everyone for attempting to understand my meaning, I am sorry that I could not make it clear what I was trying to do.
If I draw an outline I want the cutter to start at a position on that outline. I think that Tony has the method I need.
Best Wishes to you all.