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Vcarve operations

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:19 pm
by acourtjester
HI
I just started to look over and work with the Vcarve option. I have not found how to direct the tool path as you can with Plasma to have the option for on the line, inside offset and outside offset. I want to do inlays and would need to be able to select inside or outside functions.
Thanks

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 10:43 pm
by Les Newell
The V carving option is for 'chip carving' where the cut depth is dependent on the available space. It's good for signs and decorative carving but probably not what you want. If you are doing inlays you probably want to pocket the part the inlay goes into and do an outside offset on whatever you are inlaying. Do you have milling/routing enabled? (look in Options->machine)

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 2:14 am
by acourtjester
Thanks for the reply I do have the drilling/milling enabled. I did some test routing today and it will do what I want I will Vcare the inside (pocket)when the shape is only what you want without an outside layer. and it will do the outside(plug) if you have a box around the shape. Vcarve inlays :D
There is a small detail I need to work out, but it looks very good. This is much easier that EstlCAM, or F-engrave. :lol:
inlay plug.JPG
inlay plug.JPG (272.02 KiB) Viewed 48648 times
plug
inlay inside pocket.JPG
inlay inside pocket.JPG (125.48 KiB) Viewed 48648 times
pocket

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 9:46 am
by robertspark
I've got to ask... acoutjester, what do you mean by Vcarve

vcarving needs a v shaped tool so that you pocket out in a v shape

https://youtu.be/z-PjzJLlW0U

inlays are a different animal and not vcarving.

the problem I suspect (although never used the software) is vectric has a piece of software called vcarve.... but it doesn't only do vcarving but lots of other processes too.... pocket , profile, pocket etc .... plus the vcarve operation which is sort of a pocket operation... but instead of routing out to the outer shape what it does is chooses a midpoint between two lines and the knowing the tool is say a 90degree countersink type bit it will drop the z down from the centre point until the outer edges of the tool touch the lines in the cad file on either side of that calculated midpoint toolpath line

keen to see some of your work

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 6:33 pm
by Les Newell
I assume you are using the V carving operation to sharpen the corners. You can also do that using 'overcut corners' in the 'Cut path' tab. Overcut is available in both contour and pocket operations.

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 7:33 pm
by robertspark
Les is overcut the same as a dogbone?

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2019 7:35 pm
by Les Newell
It is if you use a parallel cutter. If you use a V cutter , the cutter ramps up into the corner, creating a sharp corner.

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2019 3:32 pm
by acourtjester
Here is the problem I am having when trying to Vcarve a pocket for creating a inlay. Images attached showing the drawing with cut paths first step is Vcarve the perimeter. If I check the create a pocket it looks like it does that but comes up with errors, (automatically adds the pocket option). Pocket plan shows a 0.125" bit being used for the inside pocket (correct to remove the inside portions) Make no difference if I change the pocketing bit from end mill to V bit. If I plan the Vcarve of the perimeter and then plan a pocket operation with a end mill it cuts to the line removing the angle of the Vcarve,(must have for inlaid pocket and plug).
Now it will allow me to plan the plug portion without a problem. Last image part on next post
no cut.JPG
no cut.JPG (175.02 KiB) Viewed 48615 times
no cut v tool.JPG
no cut v tool.JPG (60.75 KiB) Viewed 48615 times
no cut V carve.JPG
no cut V carve.JPG (33.93 KiB) Viewed 48615 times

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2019 3:34 pm
by acourtjester
more images
no cut pocket.JPG
no cut pocket.JPG (47.72 KiB) Viewed 48614 times
no cut end mill.JPG
no cut end mill.JPG (49.93 KiB) Viewed 48614 times
no cut plug.JPG
no cut plug.JPG (192.65 KiB) Viewed 48614 times

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2019 11:21 am
by Les Newell
As far as I can see it is complaining because there isn't room for your 0.125 bit in some places. If it was to pocket those areas it would cut into your V cut edges.

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2019 9:18 pm
by acourtjester
Thanks for the reply I still cannot vcarve a pocket of the attached SVG file. I created another tool using a 30 degree V bit it will Vcarve the shape inside but when I click on the create pocket it blows up even using a 30 degree V bit for the pocket tool. I cannot do a spiral pocket with the 30 Degree V bit either. There does not seem to be a way to Vcarve a pocket with this Vcarve option.
I am wanting to do Inlays but I need to be able to Vcarve both a pocket and a flipped plug to fit in the pocket. There are many YouTube videos showing other software Vcarve programs that are able to do that no problem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMD3SrP7Vxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ty7ITWadv8&t=74s

Thanks Tom

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2019 10:12 am
by Les Newell
That crash is definitely not right. Could you send me the job file from just before you post process. What post processor are you using?

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 3:24 pm
by acourtjester
Thanks Les I appreciate your time in dealing with this matter, attached are the post processor (generic Mach 3 from the supplied list) and the job as saved in SheetCam
humming bird smooth nodes.job
(36.92 KiB) Downloaded 276 times
mach 3 post.JPG
mach 3 post.JPG (60.13 KiB) Viewed 48579 times

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2019 3:28 pm
by acourtjester
wrong post sorry still a problem

Re: Vcarve operations

Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2019 3:40 pm
by Les Newell
I have tried several times but I can't get it to crash. I hate it when that happens.