Search found 446 matches

by tomgardiner
Mon Sep 18, 2023 11:09 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: router feed pausing at corners
Replies: 12
Views: 1287

Re: router feed pausing at corners

My guess is that this is an acceleration/decceleration issue within the control. I have no idea why V Carve would perform differently from other sources of code. As a test, try adding a .001" radius on the corners of a test piece and see if the dwell is reduced or eliminated. The sharp corner may be...
by tomgardiner
Wed Aug 23, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Downcut v Upcut?
Replies: 17
Views: 1792

Re: Downcut v Upcut?

To set a last pass cut you will have to first check the "Advanced Toolpath Options" box in the top section of the profile toolpath menu. Open the "Edit Passes" window and set the last pass depth and hit apply. Finally check the "Last Pass Allowance" box and enter an amount for the offset. Be aware t...
by tomgardiner
Tue Aug 22, 2023 11:09 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Downcut v Upcut?
Replies: 17
Views: 1792

Re: Downcut v Upcut?

You can successfully cut out parts leaving a small waste piece such as an O centre by using a last pass allowance and shallow last pass depth. Typically I have a .050" depth and .015" allowance. No parts flying.
by tomgardiner
Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: VCarve Pro Comments in G code files?
Replies: 18
Views: 2025

Re: VCarve Pro Comments in G code files?

I edited my PP to have the toolpath name added as a comment in the G code. Previously it was set ip to show the filename which for my control must be six numbers. Useless to understand what is going on. When I combine multiple toolpaths in one file each section will have a comment line with the tool...
by tomgardiner
Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:44 pm
Forum: VCarve - Tips and Tricks
Topic: Anyone doing alum? question on feed, speed, Doc.
Replies: 4
Views: 2021

Re: Anyone doing alum? question on feed, speed, Doc.

On my machine I would run those numbers more or less. I have an FMT 4 x 8 that weighs over 2000 lbs. I have to limit my speed and depth of cut because of work holding ability and machine rigidity. Going on memory I have run 6061 at 60 ipm and 12000 rpm. Rewelding chips is a risk so compressed air or...
by tomgardiner
Mon Jul 31, 2023 12:07 am
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Tapering a bench dog pin
Replies: 11
Views: 1250

Re: Tapering a bench dog pin

Adze: I believe you made a decimal place error - radial taper is only .013".

As to the wisdom of the tapered peg this will lead to a bench dog that tilts and allows the workpiece to ride up off the bench when clamped. You can add a taper to the square faces to counter that.
by tomgardiner
Thu Jul 27, 2023 9:43 pm
Forum: VCarve - Tips and Tricks
Topic: Job Orientation - Is there a way to NOT rotate the Project?
Replies: 41
Views: 23156

Re: Job Orientation - Is there a way to NOT rotate the Project?

Has anyone tried using a monitor in portrait orientation? I'm considering stealing my son's.
by tomgardiner
Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:26 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Reducing Drill toolpath time
Replies: 10
Views: 1186

Re: Reducing Drill toolpath time

Reduce the z movement to a minimum by reducing your clearance height. Try using a carbide brad point drill bit that can last longer. 3mm HSS bits will wander once dull. Do tests to see how fast you can plunge before losing cut quality. Make sure no other selection is checked in the order menu when y...
by tomgardiner
Wed Jul 19, 2023 10:39 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Xilog plus post processor
Replies: 4
Views: 876

Re: Xilog plus post processor

Can you open a toolpath file that works on your machine? If so look for the tool call in the first 20 lines or so. T= 1 or something like that. What does the line look like? It may have zeros added or another format. You can then use that information to edit the closest PP to emulate the tool number...
by tomgardiner
Mon Jul 03, 2023 1:18 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: How do I make a stepped miter toolpath?
Replies: 18
Views: 1770

Re: How do I make a stepped miter toolpath?

Not to hijack a post but Randall, I have come up with a similar solution for butt joints in bricked up solid wood ring assemblies using a wavy edge joint. I will put together a post with pictures later with my findings. For the answer to the OP.: I would first start with a profile drawing like Marti...
by tomgardiner
Tue Jun 27, 2023 5:57 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Aligning two circles
Replies: 8
Views: 997

Re: Aligning two circles

This is where my high school drafting classes pay off. CAD is great but the fundamentals of drafting on paper keeps on coming up when solving drawing needs. Try picking up a high school or college drafting textbook. They are fantastic.
by tomgardiner
Tue Jun 13, 2023 1:05 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Tool marks when milling
Replies: 14
Views: 1308

Re: Tool marks when milling

I think the marks are influenced by the lifting forces of the bits helix angle. If you used a down shear you would be pressing the workpiece into the table. I'm not sure what arrangement you are using for work holding but if you haven't got a strong vacuum you are probably pulling the work up slight...
by tomgardiner
Fri Jun 09, 2023 2:08 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Tool marks when milling
Replies: 14
Views: 1308

Re: Tool marks when milling

You can minimize the dwell marks somewhat. Try using a smaller diameter bit. This will require you change your drawing and will extend your run times. I have had success with single O flutes for aluminum. For best finish and cutting small parts from aluminum I use a last pass allowance of about .010...
by tomgardiner
Fri Jun 02, 2023 5:43 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: CNC - Tooling Parameters cutting HDPE
Replies: 2
Views: 2054

Re: CNC - Tooling Parameters cutting HDPE

Your numbers check out but... I would program a test run with theses parameters with the exception - raise your plunge rate to 80 - 120 in/min. Ramp in at 45°. Also, the ideal chipload is often not the key determinant for successful cutting. Work holding, machine rigidity will be more important. The...
by tomgardiner
Fri Apr 28, 2023 8:06 pm
Forum: VCarve - General
Topic: Vacuum Pods
Replies: 5
Views: 985

Re: Vacuum Pods

A rubberized surface increases the friction greatly. You can contact cement a 1mm neoprene piece on top of the pad.