Copied and pasted directly from the help file. The only added bit was for ATC.
V-Carve Help
-
- Vectric Craftsman
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2018 3:07 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Axiom AR 8 Pro+
- Location: Cambria, CA
Re: V-Carve Help
Thanks again, adze.
I am just curious to know at this point: Is there a particular advantage to using “safe z” in the context of the OP’s project versus simply electing a Flat Depth for making engravings with the v-carve toolpath?
Sorry if this comes across as me grinding water, so to speak, but do most people make their engraving projects this way?
I am just curious to know at this point: Is there a particular advantage to using “safe z” in the context of the OP’s project versus simply electing a Flat Depth for making engravings with the v-carve toolpath?
Sorry if this comes across as me grinding water, so to speak, but do most people make their engraving projects this way?
- Adrian
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 14541
- Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:19 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRS Alpha 96x48
- Location: Surrey, UK
Re: V-Carve Help
Using a flat depth is not the same thing as a cut depth on a profile toolpath for example. It totally changes the way the v-carve looks (if it hits that depth) and doesn't necessarily control the depth of cut.
If the v-carve without the flat depth cuts to 0.25" and a flat depth of 0.3" (for example) is specified then the v-carve toolpath will never cut to 0.3".
The OP's problem wouldn't be solved with a flat depth as the top of the cut is cutting too low which wouldn't change with a flat depth.
If the v-carve without the flat depth cuts to 0.25" and a flat depth of 0.3" (for example) is specified then the v-carve toolpath will never cut to 0.3".
The OP's problem wouldn't be solved with a flat depth as the top of the cut is cutting too low which wouldn't change with a flat depth.
- mtylerfl
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 5865
- Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
- Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
- Location: Brunswick, GA
Re: V-Carve Help
Hi Lee,laflippin wrote: ↑Mon Jun 14, 2021 7:43 pmThanks again, adze.
I am just curious to know at this point: Is there a particular advantage to using “safe z” in the context of the OP’s project versus simply electing a Flat Depth for making engravings with the v-carve toolpath?
Sorry if this comes across as me grinding water, so to speak, but do most people make their engraving projects this way?
Safe Z has nothing to do with Flat Depth. Safe Z is the height amount above the material surface you want your router or spindle to go to before moving to another spot on your material during a carve. It is usually set to an amount as small as possible to a) avoid hitting any clamps or other hold-down hardware (if used) and b) to reduce the amount of time the carve takes when just moving from one area to another (i.e., rapid moves)
As far as your question "do most people make their engraving projects this way?". I'm not sure what you mean exactly. Each project dictates what is appropriate and what might not be appropriate (or necessary)...
There is really no particular "usual way" to perform v-carves. If a user prefers to limit a v-carve depth, yet maintain design integrity, she/he can use a Flat Depth to do so. Sometimes, you must use a Flat Depth to limit the v-carve from cutting all the way through the material thickness. Depends on the design and/or letter vectors vs the bit size and angle.
Michael Tyler
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
-
- Vectric Craftsman
- Posts: 216
- Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2018 3:07 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: Axiom AR 8 Pro+
- Location: Cambria, CA
Re: V-Carve Help
Thanks, Michael…I am always amazed to learn how much I still need to learn. Seriously.
- mtylerfl
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 5865
- Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:54 am
- Model of CNC Machine: -CarveWright CNC -ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha
- Location: Brunswick, GA
Re: V-Carve Help
Hey - you and me both. Never ends.
Michael Tyler
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
facebook.com/carvebuddy
-CarveWright CNC
-ShopBot Buddy PRSAlpha CNC
- adze_cnc
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 4324
- Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:08 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: AXYZ 4008
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Re: V-Carve Help
Here's where terminology gets confusing. Technically there is no "Safe Z" setting although even Vectric refer to it in their FAQ. The toolpaths list Safe Z but it is a calculated value set to:
<aside>
Carve / carve / carving is another term I'd like to see go away as I have seen it used here to refer to pretty much every toolpath type which makes it difficult to diagnose things: "I was carving a project yesterday and the tooolpath went south".
</aside>
- Clearance (Z1) in the "Rapid Z Gaps above Material" of the "Material Setup" area if z-zero is set to "Material Surface"
- Material Thickness + Clearance (Z1) if z-zero is set to "Machine Bed"
<aside>
Carve / carve / carving is another term I'd like to see go away as I have seen it used here to refer to pretty much every toolpath type which makes it difficult to diagnose things: "I was carving a project yesterday and the tooolpath went south".
</aside>