Pocket Toolpath

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jg2259
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Pocket Toolpath

Post by jg2259 »

I'm trying to use the pocket toolpath strategy on a file, and I can't get the software to pocket the areas between the emblems, so that the emblem and text protrudes out. The logo is a Pittsburgh Steelers emblem. I've been fighting this thing for days. i guess it goes without saying I'm a Newbie.
Thanks for any and all help.

Jim

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SteveNelson46
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by SteveNelson46 »

Uploading the file or a picture would help us understand what you are trying to do. If I understand your explanation correctly, you need to select the outside perimeter of the pocket. Then, select all of the vectors inside of the pocket that you don't want cut out. You may need to outline the graphics ether manually by drawing a vector around them or use the "Create Vector Boundary Around Selected Components" tool under the Model menu. In the pics below, the first shows the selections and the second shows the outcome.
Attachments
Vector selection.png
Pocket excluding inside vectors.png
Steve

jg2259
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by jg2259 »

Thanks Steve. I’m new to this, so I’m trying to figure out how I upload a picture of what I’m doing. Once I figure it out, I will show what I’m up against.
Jim

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sharkcutup
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by sharkcutup »

Pittsburgh.png
Is this similar to what you are trying to accomplish???

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martin54
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by martin54 »

Is this similar to what you are trying to accomplish???

The ones I looked at the shapes were just about touching each other which I suspect is what is causing the problem with the pocket toolpath, where did you find that Logo with them so far apart?

jg2259
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by jg2259 »

I cant seem to find a way to take a picture of my 2d drawing. I used arcs and and mirrors to draw the emblem. The emblem ends do touch, so that must be where my problem lies.
Thanks,
Jim

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sharkcutup
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by sharkcutup »

martin54 wrote:
Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:51 am
Is this similar to what you are trying to accomplish???

The ones I looked at the shapes were just about touching each other which I suspect is what is causing the problem with the pocket toolpath, where did you find that Logo with them so far apart?
I created it all from scratch I just used an image as a guideline to go by.

A photo or copy of the image the Op is using would have been better guideline to go from then I could easily determine the Op's problem issue.

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by Rcnewcomb »

I cant seem to find a way to take a picture of my 2d drawing.
Windows has a built-in snipping tool for taking screenshots and saving the image to a file.
The file can be uploaded as an attachment to the Vectric forum.

- Randall Newcomb
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jg2259
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by jg2259 »

Screenshot 2023-04-17 142111.png
I hope the image ia viewable. I rounded the insides of the emblems so a tool could fit inside the, however, that should'nt matter, because i want to have the emblems and text protrude out, that is why I'm using the pocket toolpath. But I still can't get the toolpath to work corectly. i want to pocket everything around the text and the emblems. but it usually just carves the text and not pocket around it. i have used the smallest bit I own (1/32") up to 1/4" and nothing seems to work.
i'm new to all of this, but I'm sure I should be able to get this to do what I want.
thanks for any guidance or direction that you might offer.

Jim

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adze_cnc
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by adze_cnc »

Select the text, the diamonds, and only the inner circle. If all these things are closed entities the pocket toolpath should do fine.

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sharkcutup
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Re: Pocket Toolpath

Post by sharkcutup »

Steelers_5.png
As Stephen pointed out - Select the diamonds, Steelers Name and the most inner Circle when using the Pocket Toolpath. Make sure these Vectors are all Closed Vectors as mentioned too!

Example sample with the diamonds closer together. Really no need to round the stars point. The Pocket Toolpath works fine here when using three different size bits for the process. .25" End Mill for hogging the material away, .125" End Mill for cleanup, and a .0625" End Mill for the Fine Detail Cleanup around the Characters of the Steelers name.

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