Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

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ArtKru
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Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

I have Vcarve Pro (current release) and I'm trying to design my first rotary project. To be honest I don't know if I'm even attacking the problem in the right way. The problem seems to relate to the fact that I need to mount my piece parallel to the Y axis of the machine. When I created a job in vCarve I initially had it machining along the X axis and the toolpaths I created ran parallel to the X axis. When I created a new project but with the work parallel to the Y axis, the toolpaths now run around the piece rather than lengthwise. I'd prefer lengthwise cutting.

To be specific, my piece is a spindle without flutes or other lengthwise detail, just beads and coves along the length. I'm using a profile toolpath to make the cut. My rail vector is positioned along the bottom (narrow edge) of the workpiece.

I'm not even sure that the profile toolpath is the right choice. But I've used all my skills at trying other variations and this is the only one that gives me a spindle I'm pleased with. It's just that it is cutting round and round rather than along the length of the workpiece.

Thanks,
Art

bravesoul1950
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by bravesoul1950 »

First, please attach your .crv file so we can better assist you. Also what post processor are you using?
Have you looked at the Rotary Tutorials by Vectric?
Here is the url https://www.vectric.com/support/tutoria ... Categories

Joe

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by SteveNelson46 »

You probably should be using the 3D toolpaths (rough and finish). The profile toolpath is usually used for cuts that are linear like grooves, pockets, etc. In the roughing toolpath setup screens there is a roughing strategy to set the raster direction to X or Y. In the finish toolpath setup there is an "Area Machine Strategy" area that will allow you to set the raster angle. If your project orientation is set to wrap the X values around the Y axis then you want to set the angle to 90 degrees. Recommendations could be more specific if we could see your file.
Steve

ArtKru
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

OK. Here's my CRV file.
Attachments
TableLegCNC_2.crv
(1.34 MiB) Downloaded 58 times

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by SteveNelson46 »

I didn't know that you were trying to use the moulding toolpath. I'm not sure but I don't think the toolpath can be switched. I'll have to play with it.
Steve

ArtKru
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

I'm usually very good at using online tutorials and other guides to find a way to complete a project. But I've been stymied by the mix of tutorials and videos for old versions of vCarve or are really for Aspire. I'm not locked into using the moulding toolpath I've been exploring but I haven't found other instructions on creating a spindle with a defined profile vector using vCarve 10.x. There are many tutorials on fluting and wrapping 3d art onto a column but not much on creating a simple spindle.
bravesoul1950 wrote:
Tue Mar 02, 2021 6:25 pm

Have you looked at the Rotary Tutorials by Vectric

Joe

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Is this what you are looking for?
TableLegCNC_2updated.png
Attachments
TableLegCNC_2updated.crv
(826.5 KiB) Downloaded 47 times
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by SteveNelson46 »

Randall,

By his description I interpreted it as he wanted the bit to travel vertically between centers and not horizontally around the diameter.
Steve

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Good catch Steve.

ArtKru
I'd prefer lengthwise cutting.
Why does it matter?
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by SteveNelson46 »

I don't think there is a way to rotate the cut with the moulding toolpath on a rotary project. If there is, maybe I can learn something here too.
Steve

ArtKru
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

Like I said, I'm new to this but I assumed that in a piece of this size (length of 28") with small diameter (1.25" at the narrowest point) the piece would be more stable if cutting lengthwise than rotary. Maybe this isn't something I need to worry about.

ArtKru
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

I think I may have stumbled my way into a better approach. That vector that defined the curves, beads and coves of my spindle was originally drawn in other software. I'd exported that line and imported it into vCarve. This time around I extruded the line into a 3d shape/body in vCarve and then saved then saved it as a .stl. I then imported that .stl into vCarve as a component and wrapped it around my shape. I was then able to follow this YouTube tutorial:

https://www.vectric.com/support/tutoria ... _Machining

This eliminates the need for the molding toolpath. I think it is going to work much better.

Thanks for the help.
Art

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TReischl
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by TReischl »

That is what SteveNelson was telling you a few posts ago.
"If you see a good fight, get in it." Dr. Vernon Johns

ArtKru
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Re: Rotary cutting round and round v.s. lengthwise

Post by ArtKru »

Isn't that how it goes. Not ready for the solution until I've stumbled through every other possible unworkable option. Sigh.

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