V-carving Toolpaths From Bobcad V21

[ghynes]

Greeting to all on the forum.

I have just recently (last week) purchased BobCAD V21 mainly because it appears to be the best bang for the buck in getting 3D toolpaths and 4th AXIS support. However it will take some getting used to for sure. I wonder if any others on here have been generating toolpaths to be cut with a V-BIT on a router table who might share the steps they use to get accurate tool paths in different situations. Other than in the emboss function in BobART PRO X I cannot see how to get a toolpath specifically for a Vbit. Also I do not see how to define a VBit so that when using SIMULATE in the NC window you can actually get an idea of what will be cut.

Look forward to any and all comments on defining tool bits in BobCAD

Cheerio

Gerald,
Winnipeg, Canada

[tobyaxis]

BCC will not accurately simulate a V-Cutter, only the tool path. Sorry, this is something I wanted as well only to find that it didn't do it. The 4th Axis in BCC I don't use at all.

As far as the Settings to Program a V-Cutter there is a stereo button for it. Give the Diameter of the 60 degree tool select your path (Planar, Radial, Spiral) and BCC Pro X does the rest.

[ghynes]

Thanks Toby, You have confirmed what I suspected to be true. I guess I eventually will have to cough up for V-CARVE PRO or INSIGNIA for more control in the V-BIT area. I have yet to cut any of the tool paths I have generated in BobCAD on the router so time will how those toolpaths look once I cut them into wood.

Appreciate your comments, maybe V22 will have more Vbit options :-)

Cheers
Gerald

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by ghynes Thanks Toby, You have confirmed what I suspected to be true. I guess I eventually will have to cough up for V-CARVE PRO or INSIGNIA for more control in the V-BIT area. I have yet to cut any of the tool paths I have generated in BobCAD on the router so time will how those toolpaths look once I cut them into wood. Appreciate your comments, maybe V22 will have more Vbit options :-) Cheers Gerald

V22 is supposed to be very Close to Mastercam's UI. Parametric Programming, OpenGL Graphics, and a Real Tool Library like MC. The Release should be soon and I am waiting to see it. I hope that it is as good as BCC says.



BTW: for the cash, BCC does a good job, and it really allows one to get really crafty.

[out**cold]

I purchased BobArt V19 when I was told it would do V Carving, Well not as we would think it would. I was also looking for something that would follow the geometry and create sharp cornerns. Bobcad sent me a macro that just offsets the geometry after you define the tool. Pay the $495 or whatever it was for V-Carves. Great software for the money!!!!! I highly recomend it. BobArt is great for the money in creating 3d signs once you get used to it...took me a couple of months to figure it out. Artcam is great but the cost is tough. I have a friend with ArtCam and I am producing work as nice as his with the BobArt.

[ghynes]

Thanks for the comments. I wonder could you e-mail that macro to me? I have not seen it. To be honest I haven't been using BOBCAD much at all but plan to start when I get some time. I still feel it is great bang for the buck. I have played with ARTCAM and had a few files to cut from it. It does work quite well but is very expensive for sure. Fine in a commercial shop but too expensive for a home shop. I think BOBCAD does offer the most features for the least money and BobART does make many things possible. I am reasonable pleased with purchasing it thus far. And as an added bonus" Once you do buy it, at least they stop calling and pestering you to buy it!! They certainly use the hi pressure sales tactics to wear you down.

Gerald