Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

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RAWDAD
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Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by RAWDAD »

I'm a Fusion guy who has resisted Vectric because I really hate Windows.
But as amazing as Fusion is, it is kind of a disaster for V-carved signs.
So, I bought Vcarve Pro yesterday.

I've designed a simple sign. And I cut it out of maple plywood today on my Avid Pro.
The bottom of the clearance toolpath doesn't look great. And the V-bit edges are fuzzy, too.

So I've gone back into the file and set the first depth as .19" and then duplicated those toolpaths and set them to .2" depth to serve as a finish pass. But that drastically increases machining time.

Is there a better way?
CRV file attached with the new, untested edits.
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4wd.crv
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FixitMike
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by FixitMike »

The feed rate and the stepover for the clearance tool (450 ipm,.1875 -75%) are both higher than what I would use. I suspect that if you reduce both by 50% the finish will improve and you will be able to make the sign with only one tool pass. I realize that this won't cut the total time by very much.

Also, I would suggest a shallower cut. Try .125 depth.

Plywood with a thin veneer surface isn't the best material to obtain a clean cut. Make sure the bits are sharp.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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highpockets
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by highpockets »

I agree with Mike.
A couple additional tips, set the Pass Depth for the V bit to .09 this way there will be shallow 2 cuts with a .02 clean up. Set the Final Pass Stepover to 4% and Clearance Pass Stepover to 24%
On the Clearance tool set the Pass Depth to .09 as well. Set the Stepover to around 40%
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RAWDAD
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by RAWDAD »

Thanks, y'all.
I'm so used to Fusion settings that I don't have a good workflow for double-checking those values in Vcarve Pro yet.
I keep catching where I've changed endmills and forget to go back and re-enter the DOC/WOC settings.

I'll keep plugging away until it's more automatic in my brain.

RAWDAD
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by RAWDAD »

One little update:
I'm still fiddling with feeds and speeds for this plywood.
But I keep seeing a strange thing in the cuts. Happens very close to some of the letters. The clearing pass looks like it forgets to do a couple of tiny sections. I've made sure the stock is well-secured. I've moved the piece to a different section of the spoilboard.
But still these little sections remain slightly proud of the surrounding pocket. I feel like I'm missing something obvious.

Here's a pic (disregard the vbit tearout)
IMG_0008.jpeg

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gkas
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by gkas »

That looks like a problem with cheap plywood. Lots of voids. Try something like Baltic Birch.

RAWDAD
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by RAWDAD »

Yeah, that’s certainly the issue with the tear-out on the chamfer. But look around the base of the letter. It looks like the toolpath skipped the section that’s about one tool-width across.

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sharkcutup
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by sharkcutup »

But look around the base of the letter. It looks like the toolpath skipped the section that’s about one tool-width across.
By RAWDAD
I bet you stopped the toolpath midstream!

You may be under the impression it had not carved the areas but yeah you may be correct because those area are left on purpose by the machine process the programmed g-code usually is programmed to make a final pass around all text which is in essence cleanup. You cannot stop a toolpath and point fingers. You have got to let the toolpath run through to completion before pointing fingers.

Of course on the other hand you may not have stopped the toolpath midstream. It could very well be an incorrect stepover for the tool being used for that toolpath.

So many Variables which tend to get us to scratch our heads! :roll:

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RAWDAD
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Re: Newbie Alert: Can I get some feedback on this file?

Post by RAWDAD »

I didn't stop it.
But I did separate the V-carve paths. Would that do it?
To minimize tool changes, I used the compression endmill for the clearance pass. Then for cutting the outside profile. Then I go back to the second part of the V-carve toolpath, using the 90º v-bit.

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