Pocket Toolpath

[Jyuma]

I was able to cut the profile without issue. Now onto the Pockets, that's where everything falls apart.

Sorry, I was unable to post the picture, it didn't give a reason, it simply wouldn't post it.

[Rcnewcomb]

Sorry, I was unable to post the picture, it didn't give a reason, it simply wouldn't post it.

If it was a photo from your phone's camera the file size was probably too large.

When I email a photo from my iPhone to my email it gives me the option to reduce the size of the file.

There are also free websites that will compress photos to a smaller file size.

[Jyuma]

Unfortunately, with all the machinations trying to get the picture to post, I had a dozen or so screens open but had not saved the pgm. When I canceled out of all those screens, I forgot that I didn't save the pgm and I closed VCarve along with all the other screens.

Poof! The pgm was gone. Not really a big deal, it took me all of 10 minutes to create the profile toolpath to begin with, so I'll just do it again when I create the "pockets" toolpath(s).

On the topic of toolpaths, am I correct in assuming that because each pocket is carved to a different depth, I'll need a separate toolpath for each pocket along with its own router bit?

[Adrian]

To cut pockets at different depths you need multiple toolpaths but there's no need to use a different tool for each. You can specify the same tool in each of them assuming it fits.

You can even do things like have one toolpath that cuts all the pockets to the depth that is common to all of them and then create other toolpaths that have a start depth and cut depth (that depth is from the start depth) to get them to their final depths.

[Leo]

Each pocket will need a seperate toolpath for cutting different depth.

Use the same cutter for all the toolpaths

All the different pocket toolpaths can be output as one toolpath as long as they all use the same cutter
I do this a lot

One cnc program to cut all the pockets in one program.

[Jyuma]

OK, thanks.

I'm trying not to be a pinta so I've been Googling the crap out of my questions before coming here, but there's one question I can't seem to find an answer for. Can I add an additional path to an existing toolpath that I've already run and saved?

I left something out so instead of rewriting I'd like to just open the project and add another pocket. Same tool, same depth.

Thanks

[Adrian]

Yes you can do that. Edit the toolpath and hold down the shift key while clicking on the vectors you want to add and then click Calculate.

Researching layers and automatic association to toolpaths would be worthwhile as that make additions a breeze.

Don't take this the wrong way as some do but have you worked your way through the tutorials before starting on your own projects? A lot of your questions are pretty fundamental and are covered in the tutorials so I was concerned that you were trying to Google everything rather than using the excellent resources you've already paid for.

[Jyuma]

Yes, I've watched the tutorials but watching tutorials can't overcome my propensity for making bone-headed mistakes, which is what I do in abundance.

Example: Last night I wanted to run one more session, this time finishing the rest of the pockets, there is a total of six of them.

I have bad enough hearing to begin with, so I always put on the type of hearing protection, usually reserved for the range. That's when I made one of my bone-headed mistakes, I put the hearing protection on before starting the job so I couldn't really hear anything and wouldn't you know... I forgot to turn on the router. Ping! Scratch one endmill. And that's not the first time I've snapped a bit, and it won't be the last.

Enough story telling (but it is fun), you've answered my next question before I asked it. Due to the way I added the pockets 1 at a time, I now have 12 toolpaths all using the same tool at the same depth. I'll clean that up in the final version.

[Jyuma]

Here is the latest attempt. There are many errors, as the router crapped out on me several times (tight rollers) and I had to re-zero and restart.

You will notice that the two pockets closest to the bottom both have had the pocket cleaned all the way to the bottom, but all the other pockets have material left in the bottom. This I don't understand as they were all cut with the same bit to the same depth with the same parameters (there's only 1 bit).

Any hints?

Thanks
Ed

[LittleGreyMan]

Probably because you used a profile toolpath instead of a pocket toolpath.

It seems you are trying things rather than trying to understand what you do (no offense intended).

If you are new at this, there is a 6 step simple method for understanding the software:

1) read the manual (yes…)
2) do (not only read) the Vectric tutorials and watch Vectric videos, as Adrian suggested
3) read the manual
4) do the Vectric tutorials and watch Vectric videos
5) read the manual
6) do the Vectric tutorials and watch Vectric videos

Now you're ready to build your own projects.

[sharkcutup]

Can you post the CRV3D or CRV file? That will eliminate a lot of guessing.

To upload a file/photo:

• Click on the Upload attachment button below the message area
• Click on Choose File and select your file
• Finally, click on Add the file to upload it to the forum

If the file is too large to upload here you can use a file sharing site such as drive.google.com, onedrive.com, or dropbox.com. They all have free accounts available

• Upload the file to the file sharing site
• Make the link shareable
• Share the link to the file here

For screenshots please use the Windows Snipping tool. These are far easier to read than photos taken with your phone.

On many Windows systems you can also use <Windows-key><Shift><S>
On Windows 11 the images taken with <Windows-key><Shift><S> are automatically saved in the Screenshots folder under Pictures

Excerpt/quote above from another Post --- by Randall Newcomb

Sharkcutup

[adze_cnc]

You will notice that the two pockets closest to the bottom both have had the pocket cleaned all the way to the bottom, but all the other pockets have material left in the bottom

Does it look that way when you run a toolpath simulation in VCarve? If so, why would it be any different run in a real cutting? If not, are you running all the same toolpaths that were run in the simulation?

[Jyuma]

Out of utter frustr5ation I deleted all the tools and all toolpaths, nothing was doing what the tutorials said they would do, so I started over.

Now my new frustration is the fact that I can't fine the menu in toolpaths where you specify cutting on, inside or outside for the router to follow the cut.

I created a toolpath just for the neck pocket, but the pocket came out way too small. On the screen it measures correctly but when it cuts it cuts too small. I'm assuming that is due to the router cutting on or inside the line and it should be cutting on the outside of the line.

How do I get that menu up?

Thanks
Ed

[Rcnewcomb]

Take a look at the neck pocket toolpath in this file.

Screenshot 2024-10-09 224755.png

[Jyuma]

Thank you so much.

I looked at the toolpath you sent and compared it to the toolpath I created (which does not work). At first glance they appeared to be identical, but then I noticed a slight difference. You defined the 1/4" end mill as (.25 inches) and I defined mine as 1/4". I changed mine to .25 inches and then the pocket carved perfectly.

Thanks again.
Ed