Question on cutting connected letters
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Question on cutting connected letters
Hello! I frequently cut numbers out from solid maple, cherry, and walnut. I have someone wanting some numbers cut that are connected, so instead of the number 12 being two separate numbers, they would be together. I am attaching a photo for reference. I am trying to figure out how to set up my toolpaths so that I can accomplish this. Can’t figure it out! Help please!
- highpockets
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
Or this?
- Attachments
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- TOgether12.crv
- (195 KiB) Downloaded 77 times
- Randall Newcomb
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- adze_cnc
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
You’ll need 3 vectors and 2 toolpaths:
Vectors: one each for the “1” and “2”. One having the “1” & “2” connected by a bar.
Toolpaths: one profile toolpath that cuts part-way down around the “1” and “2” individual vectors (see highpocket’s image). One that cuts all the way though the material around the composite “1” and “2” connected by a bar vector,
Vectors: one each for the “1” and “2”. One having the “1” & “2” connected by a bar.
Toolpaths: one profile toolpath that cuts part-way down around the “1” and “2” individual vectors (see highpocket’s image). One that cuts all the way though the material around the composite “1” and “2” connected by a bar vector,
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
adze_cnc wrote: ↑Mon Jun 29, 2020 10:35 pmYou’ll need 3 vectors and 2 toolpaths:
Vectors: one each for the “1” and “2”. One having the “1” & “2” connected by a bar.
Toolpaths: one profile toolpath that cuts part-way down around the “1” and “2” individual vectors (see highpocket’s image). One that cuts all the way though the material around the composite “1” and “2” connected by a bar vector,
My confusion comes is on the second part--cutting all the way through. How can I tell the program to cut the letters out around the bar without separating them from it? It seems like I would have to cut off the portion of the number toolpath where the bar is to keep the file from cutting that part. Or is there any easier way?
- highpockets
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
Here's how I did it...
I created 2 layers, "Numbers" & "Bar"
On Numbers I put "12" with a box around the numbers.
On Bar I copied the numbers, added the bar, converted the numbers to vectors and used the Trim tool to combine the numbers and bar into one closed vector.
I created a Pocket Toolpath using the vectors from the Numbers layer setting the depth of the pocket to .0625" to set the thickness of the bar. You can get creative with the box vector to speed things up.
Then I created a Profile Toolpath using the vectors from the Bar layer to cutout everything out.
I created 2 layers, "Numbers" & "Bar"
On Numbers I put "12" with a box around the numbers.
On Bar I copied the numbers, added the bar, converted the numbers to vectors and used the Trim tool to combine the numbers and bar into one closed vector.
I created a Pocket Toolpath using the vectors from the Numbers layer setting the depth of the pocket to .0625" to set the thickness of the bar. You can get creative with the box vector to speed things up.
Then I created a Profile Toolpath using the vectors from the Bar layer to cutout everything out.
John
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
My approach was similar to Johns.
Enter "1 2" in a text box
Draw a rectangle that overlaps the 1 and the 2.
Convert the text to vectors.
Copy everything to a new layer.
Use the scissors tool to trim away the text and rectangle vector so you are left with the connector that follows the shape of the text. Use these vectors for the pocket toolpath that is 1/2 the thickness of your material. Go back to the original layer.
Use the scissors tool to trim away sections of the rectangle and the text where the bar connects Use these vectors for the Cutout toolpath.
Enter "1 2" in a text box
Draw a rectangle that overlaps the 1 and the 2.
Convert the text to vectors.
Copy everything to a new layer.
Use the scissors tool to trim away the text and rectangle vector so you are left with the connector that follows the shape of the text. Use these vectors for the pocket toolpath that is 1/2 the thickness of your material. Go back to the original layer.
Use the scissors tool to trim away sections of the rectangle and the text where the bar connects Use these vectors for the Cutout toolpath.
- Randall Newcomb
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
Here is the CRV file
- Attachments
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- Connected12.crv
- (312 KiB) Downloaded 77 times
- Randall Newcomb
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
By having the bar connect the two numbers so that the composite is one vector. The profile can then be cut around that.Jhightower87 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 29, 2020 11:48 pmHow can I tell the program to cut the letters out around the bar without separating them from it?
Imagine you have two vertical rectangles representing two number ones. Connecting a bar to those and you would have a shape like the letter “H”. This can be done by drawing two horizontal lines between the two ones and then trimming away those parts of the "ones" that you don’t need.
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Re: Question on cutting connected letters
You have all been very helpful! Thank you all!