Overcutting on a rope model

[mrmfwilson]

Any ideas on how to stop these overcuts? I backed off the boundary offset a bit. I don't want to back it off too much because it will not cut the entire model.

[Rcnewcomb]

Does the rope model have a base the same thickness as the inside flat area?

Are you using a zero plane?

[mrmfwilson]

These are created when the rope is carved. I tried lowering the base but they are still there. Lowering the base makes the rope have an edge. I also tried to use a zero plane but there was no difference. It seems to be artifacts of the model. The model has been enlarged. I also tried using a small bit. No difference. The “dents” are about .03” deep with a .093 ball nose. I might be acting a bit picky but I would like a smooth surface. Should I post the file? I haven’t tried cutting it yet.

[gkas]

Always post the file, if possible. If it's too large put it on cloud storage and post a link.

[phill05]

Hi Mr Wilson,
I made 2 dishes with a rope design, first I made an over size base 12mm high I then imported the rope I had made as an STL file it just sits on top of the base I made a vector circle for the inside and one for the outside of the rope and made a Finish tool path to cut between the vectors no boundary offset, used a tapered BN cutter it worked fine.

I then did a dish cut from the inside vector then a profile cut around the outside vector,

There will most certainty be different ways of cutting this but this worked for me.

Phill

[mrmfwilson]

Thanks. I don't have Aspire. Since you made an STL of the model i'm guessing that you didn't have to deal with the pixels in the models that come with the software. An STL will be a smoother model without the rough edges. ALso, your example looks like a smaller diameter and a thicker model. File is too big. Don't have a cloud service. I have my own mass storage that can't be shared. Old school computer scientist... I guess it's time for a dropbox account. The model is 15" diameter, .25 height with a .5 base height on .75 material thickness. I created the outline for the inside pocket with the outline tool in the modeling tab. The outline is jagged but that doesn't have anything to do with the model carving. I think the pixelated model is the problem. I've played around with quite a few setups but can't get rid of the bit marks around the model in the simulation.

[phill05]

Sorry I forgot I to say I made the rope up with individual sections for some crests then saved it as an STL file to use again so yes it could be smoother to use.
Could you not add smoothing to yours? what I do is make the project larger than I need smooth then resize.
Phill

[mrmfwilson]

Hadn't thought of that. I'll give it a try. Thanks

[mrmfwilson]

Unfortunately the smoothing at a larger (2X) size doesn't seem to do any smoothing on the edges. Maybe I'll just have to be satisfied with what I have. I can't justify the cost of Aspire. Maybe next year.

[phill05]

drop me a PM with an email and I can send you the STL it is my own design so no copyright
Phill

[gkas]

File is too big. Don't have a cloud service. I have my own mass storage that can't be shared. Old school computer scientist... I guess it's time for a dropbox account.

A free Dropbox account gives you 5 GB of drive space, free Google Drive give you 15 GB. If you get one of each, you have 20GB of free cloud space.

[phill05]

" I created the outline for the inside pocket with the outline tool in the modeling tab. The outline is jagged but that doesn't have anything to do with the model carving. I think the pixelated model is the problem."

That could be your problem so don't use the model outline tool, make model 2X larger create a circle vector to the closest size you can even cutting a little off the model with the vector, select vector&model then on model tab "reset outside vectors" should give you a clean edge to your model resize back down to use.

Phill

[mrmfwilson]

I can see the problem before the inside is cut. I don't want to cut back the rope. I would like it to be flush. It's me just being too picky. When I get back home I'm going to cut it out and see how bad it really looks. Right now I'm in Bristol not too far from Vectric headquarters. Thanks for all the suggestions. I just remembered I do have a google drive account. Haven't used it years. I'll post he file there.

[mrmfwilson]

Here's the link to the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yU7hfb ... sp=sharing

[mrmfwilson]

Not sure what is different today except that I wasn't un-checking the Auto Resize Z when I made the model 2X. I tried the same method today without the Auto Resize Z and it worked perfectly. When I smoothed the model the edges smoothed and extended the model boundary a bit. Reduced the model and created the outlines and it worked perfectly. Sorry for all the discussion. Thanks for the support. What a great community!

Mike