Circles in sheetcam....start from center possible?

[johndjmix]

Is it possible, when cutting a round hole, lets say 3/8 diameter, to have sheetcam start in the center of the hole to pierce, then move to the outside and start cutting the circle?

In order to avoid the nasty penetration mark where it pops through....

--John

[I Lean]

Sure...just make your lead-in perpendicular, and 1/2 the hole diameter.

[johndjmix]

How do you make the lead-in perpendicular? Been trying to figure that out for hours.

--John

[I Lean]

Under the operation, you choose the lead-in type...arc, tangent, perpendicular.

[johndjmix]

Correct, but that makes a lead-in from the outside of the circle..even if the path of the machine is passing right over it.

I need to start in the circle.

--John

[I Lean]

Then you need to change the operation type from outside offset, to inside offset.

If everything else on your part is cutting correctly besides the circles, then move them to their own layer and set up an inside offset operation for them separate from the rest.

[johndjmix]

Ilean NICE! That was it! "No Offset" seems to have the same affect. EXACTLY what i was trying to do.

Thanks a lot!

--John

[I Lean]

Just be aware, the size of the part/hole will change with the offset. No offset will cut right down the middle of the line, inside or outside offset will move the toolpath 1/2 the kerf width, so your parts end up accurate to the drawing. (assuming you have the kerf correct in your tool)

[johndjmix]

Gotcha. Actually wound up not needing to do it. Found out my problem was the tip on my torch was shot. New tip and im cutting 1/4 like a pro!

--John