Using V-cutting option in engraving

[Atlas18]

Just like the title says, I am trying to use this V-cutting function. The manual doesn't really list anything other than it can be used on a "to condition" inside or outside cut.

I am trying to cut letters with a V groove bit. It won't work with that type of bit. Just wondering if anybody has any kind of advice.

I love this program, but the manual is just about useless. I have had to discover everything via trail and error.

Anyhow, I am looking forward to some help with this. Thanks in advance!

[rgh]

I use RhinoCam, which is basically the same as visual mill. Take a look at the online tutorials. Also, I use the onsrud 37 series engraving tools to do v-carving for for inside and outside, they have a flat bottom as tight as .005. They work pretty well. I also cheat a bit and use the 37-15 for v-carve roughing (to be able to get into the tight areas) by calling it a straight bit for rhinocam. (The program compensates for the taper so it doesn't matter and allows me to use a small flat bottom surface area to get inside letters, etc.) The other thing to think about is how visual mill expects the taper to be input for the tool. If the bit has a 60 degree taper, Visual Mill only wants half that because it only cares about the angle from the center of the bit. If you get this wrong it will make a mess of your lettering.

[Atlas18]

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. I will recheck my angle input in VM to see if I have it entered correctly. I use Amana V-groove bits that have replaceable insert bits. Saves me a mint on tools and they last a long time.

Where are these online tutorials that you are talking about? They sound like they will help out quite a bit.

Thanks again for all of your help!

[Atlas18]

I located the online tutorials and immediately realized why nobody knows what I'm talking about. I have Visual Mill 5.0, not VM 6.0. The new version has a whole option specifically designed for V-milling. It also has a V-groove specific tool.

VM 5 has neither of these functions. My V-groove tool is programmed in as a "drill" whereas the newer version has a specific V-groove bit. My version of the program won't let me use a drill to V-cut. It errors out.

Well, looks like I have to plop down another $350 to upgrade to this ability...