The Tool Database is different for the chamfer toolpath?

[RacerChris]

Hi everyone,

I am an enthusiast VCarver but learning all the time... So be patient with me

I recently added the entire Amana Tool Database to my Vcarve Tool Database. I then copy the specific bit I am using to a different folders called CST Bits...

Strangely, I noticed that the Database being presented under the Chamfer Toolpath is different than the others. See the two attached screen captures. Strangely, I found this to be true even after i UPLOAD the Database, then DOWNLOAD it into the Chamfer Tool Database!

Please help, cannot find my specific bits in the "reduced" tool database within the Chamfer Toolpath

[sharkcutup]

Awesome!!!

The program is working just as it is designed to work!

You will not always see your entire database for some toolpaths. Because certain tools are not safe or designed for use with certain toolpaths.

Just my opinions/thoughts!!!

Sharkcutup

[RacerChris]

Awesome!!!

The program is working just as it is designed to work!

You will not always see your entire database for some toolpaths. Because certain tools are not safe or designed for use with certain toolpaths.

Just my opinions/thoughts!!!

Sharkcutup

Thanks for the reply, but not convinced that is what is going on. Whole folder of bits are missing, not only the bits but folder itself... Besides, all I want to do is to use a 1/6" tapered bullnose which i can't imagine anyway this bit would be dangerous... I think it's a bug - ALL other toolpaths use the same database EXCEPT this brand new one...

[sharkcutup]

Well then that calls for Vectric Support at support@vectric.com

Question: Why a ballnose bit on a chamfer toolpath?

Sharkcutup

[Rcnewcomb]

Your upcut end mill isn't a supported tool for a chamfer.

From the help file:
The Chamfer Toolpath has two distinct ways of operating depending on the tool used:

If the selected tool is an angled tool, then the angle of the tool determines the angle of the chamfer
If the selected tool is a round nosed tool, then the angle of the chamfer must be specified manually, and will be approximated by a series of fine cuts.

[adze_cnc]

I'm not sure a support call is necessary.

The confusion lies in that not all bits that have a angle are angled cutters; nor are all round bits round nosed—at least for the purposes of the chamfered toolpath. https://docs.vectric.com/docs/V10.5/VCa ... index.html

It would be a bit of a nightmare for the chamfer code to deal with the exceptions. You couldn't specify a start depth (D) using one. You couldn't have a chamfer slope that is more vertical than the tapered side.

[RacerChris]

Whoa! Vectric Wizard and Apprentice replied - hmm, this rings a bell, far, far away....

Thanks guys for the reach out.

Yes, I can understand why so bits may not be good for chamfers and/or that the programmers had to limit the geometry of the bits they considered, but how does Vectric define these to allow users to understand these limits? I would think that if a rounded bit ("Legal" attachment") would work then an tapered ballnose ("Illegal" attachment would also....

[sharkcutup]

Well just maybe Vectric might chime in on this thread with an explanation. They sometimes do!

Sharkcutup

[RacerChris]

Clearly there is something I am not understanding about the chamfer toolpath. I did find a bit in "its" database that I have but I get the attached error..... Huh? Its a 12x12x3/4 piece and an 1/8" chamfer?

[sharkcutup]

In your Tool database is the 46376 Spiral Ballnose bit PASS DEPTH set to .25 if so try changing it to .125" and re-calculate toolpath

Sharkcutup

[CRV]

Hi Chris

Just to say if you see this before you check your email please know that I have replied to you there and about this and explained what I think is going on here and how you can work around it.

Please get back in touch with support if you need to.

Thanks

Chris R

[RacerChris]

In your Tool database is the 46376 Spiral Ballnose bit PASS DEPTH set to .25 if so try changing it to .125" and re-calculate toolpath

Sharkcutup

That worked! Thanks!

[RacerChris]

Hi Chris

Just to say if you see this before you check your email please know that I have replied to you there and about this and explained what I think is going on here and how you can work around it.

Please get back in touch with support if you need to.

Thanks

Chris R

Thanks Chris. yes, received your email and will get back to the project soon... Thanks!

[adze_cnc]

Dear Original Poster (OP):

I was thinking on the bustoay: If you really are determined to use a tapered ball end bit for chamfers then lie to the software.Don’t tell the softare that it's a tapered ball end bit tell the software that it’s a 1/16” ball nose bit.

My caveats above still hold: it’s up to you to make sure you don’t use a start depth other than zero or have chamfer angle exceed tool’s angle.

[Kando]

Hi, Similar problem. Just trying out chamfer software. It appears to allow bullnose bits but not tapered-bullnose bits. These tapered-bullnose bits do not show up on the list when using the chamfer.
This surely can't be correct as the help file allows operating a tool If the selected tool is a round nosed tool, then the angle of the chamfer must be specified manually, and will be approximated by a series of fine cuts. This is how I wanted to use it.

It looks like until the software changes do as Racer Chris says and lie to the software. Don’t tell the software that it's a tapered ball end bit tell the software that it’s a 1/16” ball nose bit.
I will now copy the bit details and call it a Bullnose.
Hope this is sorted out soon.