Mirror a part

[PatentDraftsman]

I have a two sided part complete in Vcarve but I need to create a mirror part of it. I could do a "save as" of the file and open it and just manually alter it but with it being two sided, I was concerned with losing registration or having other issues.

Is there an easier way of creating the mirror part? thanks,, David

[mtylerfl]

Hi David,

Will you upload a screenshot or two and explain in a little more detail what exactly it is you want to do?

I can’t tell from your current description and with no file or screenshots to look at. It could be as simple as selecting the item and use the Copy to other side option to create a perfectly registered mirror copy on the opposite side. But, we don’t know that for sure, at this point.

[PatentDraftsman]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Sorry to be cryptic. I have attached the file in question, the right side of the device. I would like to make the left side which is a mirror image. I am concerned with doing it as it is a two sided carve. I was looking for a command like "export as a mirror" or some command like that. I have used some 3d programs that have that option available. Best, David

[gkas]

Temporarily change your XY Datum from Bottom Left to Center. You'll flip about center, so you have to change your center.

Select All on your Side 1. Use the Mirror command to Flip Horizontal, Flip About Job Center, and Create a Mirrored Copy.

Do the exact same for Side 2.

Reset your XY Origin to Bottom Left.

You done....

[highpockets]

Change the XY Datum Position to the Center of the material then you can use the Mirror tool, check Create a Mirror Copy and Flip about Job Center then click on Flip Horizontal. Do this on both sides.
The other option would be to draw a vector down the center of the material and use the Mirror tool, check Create a Mirror Copy and Flip About Line.

update: Gerry is faster than me this morning

[gkas]

update: Gerry is faster than me this morning

Rarely.....

[PatentDraftsman]

thanks, guys, happy carving. david

[highpockets]

update: Gerry is faster than me this morning

Rarely.....

Gerry, it's do to location not knowledge, I'm in the Central Time Zone you're in the Pacific Time Zone, I have a 2 hour head start on you

[mtylerfl]

Thanks for taking care of David in my absence (been working on a new POM for Vectric today with few breaks).

Just a note...it is not necessary to change the XY origin to the Center (you can leave it at the lower-left as-is). The Mirror/Copy Flip across Job Center works fine, no matter where the XY origin is set. The Job Center is a constant. It's always going to be the center of the material/job.

BTW, I use the shortcut keys Ctrl+Shift+H to make a horizontal mirror/copy across the center of the job (substitute "V" for a vertical mirror/copy across the job center).

[highpockets]

Michael, thanks for the information, I mostly use XY center so I just assumed (no where that gets me) it needed to be there.

[mtylerfl]

Michael, thanks for the information, I mostly use XY center so I just assumed (no where that gets me) it needed to be there.

You’re welcome, John! I have seen a few times where folks assumed the same thing. But, if you think about it - the Job Center is always the Job Center no matter what!

[highpockets]

But, if you think about it

[PatentDraftsman]

finally, got around to doing the mirror and oh no! it didn't work and was the same part or so I thought for two confused minutes. As an addendum to the above instructions, recalculate toolpaths before previewing the mirror part there is always something.

[PatentDraftsman]

the above post was just for us rookies. i am sure the pros in here are calling me Captain Obvious.