Document Variables? What can be controlled?

[pknvectric]

I've finally learned to use DV for cutting depth but I thought "wouldn't it be nice if I could set a feedrate as a variable" but apparently this doesn't work or I'm doing it wrong.?

I created a variable and then tried to reference it in my toolpath (under the tool EDIT settings) but it simply ignores my variable and reverts to the last number I'd used...

I also tried permanently setting this variable in the Tool Database but this didn't work either. Is it possible?

[wb9tpg]

I tried to do that with "Power" in the laser module and it doesn't work there either.

[adze_cnc]

Remember that document variables are local to a specific project file. Whereas the tool database is global to all project files. You can type variable name as part of an equation into an RPM or POWER field then press = ( e.g. {myvar}/2= ) to evaluate it to a number but you can’t just type in {myvar} and expect that to be available for the next project as it won’t exist in that project.

Should Vectric implement global variables? Perhaps, but having global variables in any programming-like situation is just asking for disaster.

[Adrian]

What reason do you want a variable for feed rate for? With templates, tool inheritance, toolpath overrides etc I can't think of a reason for it that isn't already covered.

[pknvectric]

When I'm testing a new toolpath I simply want to be sure I don't drive the tool into the table (or more likely I'm trying to be certain I get exactly the right depth / offset to get a desired round over, etc.). So, I'll run the TAP at 100% until it gets close to the material and then slow it down to 5-20%. Then speed it up. And then I'll frequently realize I can bump it up to 150-200% speed without trouble.

Perhaps there is a better way that I'm simply unaware of...?

I'll have to read about Tool Inheritance and Toolpath Overrides as I'm not familiar with either...

[wb9tpg]

I wanted it so I can quickly transfer a laser pattern from one wood to a different species. Many of them have a dozen tool paths with different feed rates to control darkness. I would love to alter power level with a variable and then recompile all tool paths