Strange Results with Simple Design

[RPCElectronics]

As soon as my buddy found out that I got my mill going, he made a request for a milled aluminum cross. I drew out a basic cross in Draftsight and it looks right:



When I import it in Cut2D, it looks right, so I don't suspect anything wrong here. After I create the toolpath with the tool running on the OUTSIDE of the piece, I get this crummy result:



If I set the tool to cut ON the line, I actually get this much better looking result:



I don't understand why this one looks right. I would have expected the cutter to cut along the outside of the toolpath. Even when cutting on the line, I don't understand why I loose the rounded corners.

I'm just getting started with this now that I can actually make cuts, but I didn't expect something this simple to be such a headache.

Thanks!

[ger21]

That looks to be on the inside, not the outside. Also, it appears the vector is open, and needs to be closed.
Closing it should fix the inside/outside issue.

[RPCElectronics]

That looks to be on the inside, not the outside.

I agree! That is how it looks, but I have checked my toolpath settings a hundred times to make sure I am not doing something stupid like that. Also, I made sure the tool diameter is correct, since I am attempting to use a 3/16 for this project.

Also, it appears the vector is open, and needs to be closed.
Closing it should fix the inside/outside issue.

OK, is this something I am missing in Cut2D? So far, I have been using the select all to capture the whole image and then assign a single tool path to the whole thing. One thing I did notice in my test cut, it wants to cut one part at a time. So it does a U cut around one of the ends and then keeps working it's way down on that one part, before moving on. When I assigned the tool path, I assumed it would cut the whole outline in one pass, then Z down and do the pass again, until it was complete.

Thanks for the help so far!

[ger21]

You need to make sure the shape is a single closed vector for it to work properly. Try selecting on them and right clicking, and see if there's a join or close vector option.

You might want to figure out how to join it into a closed shape in Draftsight before importing

[louieatienza]

Gerry is right about the vectors being open. You can set all (Ctrl-A) then use the join open vectors icon in the bottom right (same in VCarve Pro). Usually the tolerance set works fine.

The only problem is if the vectors cross or overlap; then you may get some more weird results. You may have to do some editing before importing into Cut2D. WIth VCarve Pro you can "trim" overlapping vectors.

edit: Sorry it's bottom left in the edit icons...

[RPCElectronics]

Thanks guys! Joining the vectors in Cut2D did the trick! Looks great now:



Now my buddy will get his cross that he asked for. We Catholics take some pride in our crosses