How did Tony Mac Do This?

[diarmaid]

Hi all, and of course Tony if you read this,

In this thread:

Gcode Carving
Tony Mac posted a sample for creating the logo using V-Carve. I thought it might be a bit rude to hyjack the thread to find this out so Im asking here instead.

Below is shown my (Rather sad it has to be said!) effort of emulating Tony's work! Pocketing is no problem. But how did you manage to get the 'V Groove' type of shape in the design? My pockets all have a flat bottom .

Thanks.

PS: I hope its ok to copy tony's pic and upload it in this thread?

[Tony Mac]

You are selecting the 2D Pocket strategy and using an end mill. To get the 3D vcarved effect you need to use the VCarve / Engrave strategy.

Here's a short video showing how to select the design, select a V cutter and preview the results. I hope this helps,

VCarving Video

The image below was created by simply copy and pasting the design to make a more interesting piece.

Tony

[diarmaid]

Thanks for the reply Tony. Unfortunately I can't watch the video until Im home tomorrow. For some reason this apple won't show me videos, but Im looking forward to seeing it and trying it again.
Thanks again.

[diarmaid]

Thanks again Tony. Thats actually really simple. But what if the job size is not only 2inches x 2 inches......lets say its 24in x 24 in and 2 in deep. Then the v-bit will have to carve differently. Is there a way to combine the V-Carve and the Pocket toolpaths, or would this be done a different way?

[Tony Mac]

Hi Diarmaid,

VCarve Pro automatically handles large pocket regions and calculates the pocket region for an End Mill cutter and a second toolpath for the V-Bit / Engraving cutter. The V-Bit cutter only machines where it needs to - where material is left on by the end mill cutter.

We refer to this as Flat Bottom VCarving or Engraving and the Open Sign video Tutorial is a good example of how this works,

See > Video

Also, if the pocket region needs to be cut deeper than the length of the cutter, VCPro automatically compensates for this and does multiple Z level passes with the cutters.

I hope this helps,

Tony

[ViperTX]

Tony....cool video...thank you for sharing.

diramaid....maybe you need a PC....like a Dell...*smile*

[diarmaid]

Thanks a million for that Tony. The penny drops!

Viper...thats very creepy (ominous music)....I have a Dell...and what a Dell! The apple wasn't mine.

[HayTay]

Originally Posted by diarmaid I have a Dell...and what a Dell! The apple wasn't mine.

Not to bring you down or anything, but, I don't see a parallel port on your Dell. I hope you have another PC with a parallel port to drive the new HobbyCNC PRO kit you're constructing. Just thought I'd give you a little warning before completion so that you won't be bummed when you get to where you can spin some motors and take Vectric's V-Carve out for a test run.

[diarmaid]

Thanks HayTay,
I have a desktop thats going to be my dedicated machine for my router.
I wouldn't ruin the appearance of my XPS with a prehistoric parallel port!!

[HayTay]

Originally Posted by diarmaid Thanks HayTay, I have a desktop thats going to be my dedicated machine for my router. I wouldn't ruin the appearance of my XPS with a prehistoric parallel port!!

Whew!!! That's a relief. When doing projects like this you have try to limit the number of gothcha's.

Parallel ports may be prehistoric but they are sure fun to tinker around with.

It sounds and looks like you're knee deep in fun. Keep up the good work, your project(s) are progressing nicely.

L8r, M8...

[WeekendWarrior]

Yeah, anyways, that's what adapters are for! Damn you have a sexy machine! Is it ruggedized?? Shielded from EMP's and stuff like that! (HEHE, anybody watch Jerhico?)-WW

[diarmaid]

Originally Posted by WeekendWarrior Yeah, anyways, that's what adapters are for! Damn you have a sexy machine! Is it ruggedized?? Shielded from EMP's and stuff like that! (HEHE, anybody watch Jerhico?)-WW

lol. Unfortunetely not shielded from EMP! But I do like it. Thanks.