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--- tools:vcarve_instructions [2012/11/17 17:42]
elena [VCarve Instructions]
+++ tools:vcarve_instructions [2020/03/12 12:49] (current)
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-===== VCarve Instructions =====
+{{ :process_guide:cnc-westozy-08.jpg?direct&100|===== VCarve Instructions =====
 {{ :process_guide:vcarve_letter_t_animated.gif|}}
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 Artifactory members can make a folder on the network that can be accessed by Swarf-O-Mat.
+VCarve is kind of compatible with a range of vector formats but YMMV.
 ==== Existing Tutorials ====
@@ Line 25: / Line 26: @@
-==== VCarve Quickstart ====
+==== VCarve Local Specifics ====
-If you must get started immediately here is a quickstart guide though we recommend going through the official instructions and tutorials thoroughly.
+We recommend going through the official instructions and tutorials thoroughly.
+There are some speficica
 == Open VCarve ==
@@ Line 52: / Line 55: @@
 **Size/Material**
-Note the size limits.
+Specify the material you will be using
+Make sure the piece will fit comfortably within the material with enough of a border that you can clamp down and prevent the work from moving.
   * Width(x): 440mm
-  * Height(y): 600mm
+  * Height(y): 580mm
   * Thickness(z): 60mm
+(Actual machine area: 460x600x70, but need to allow space to affix job.)
 **XY Position**
@@ Line 66: / Line 73: @@
 == VCarve  ==
-{{:process_guide:swarf-o-mat_blank.jpg?direct&350 |}}
+{{:process_guide:swarf-o-mat_blank.jpg?direct&275 |}}
 Congratulations! You now have a blank bit of material.
@@ Line 73: / Line 80: @@
 These paths are **vectors** and map out the route that the Swarf-O-Mat will take to cut out your job.
 {{:process_guide:vcarve_vectors-draw.jpg |}}
@@ Line 79: / Line 87: @@
 The **"Create Vectors"** are the main tools you will use to draw your project.
-...
+Make sure all the shapes are closed vectors (there are a couple of ‘join’ options, eg: select two lines, press [j] or by using the **"Join open vectors"** buttons.)
+Useful: [N] for Node edit
+What you need to be thinking while you are creating your project is **what path is the cutting tool taking?**
+Are there multiple cuts? Are you cutting **on** the line as opposed to inside or outside the vector line? Are you cutting all the way through?
+**NOTE:** usually do you NOT cut from the edge of your material using a milling machine. You usually place your job in the middle of a piece of material so you have **ample room to clamp your material to the milling machine deck**. Bear this in mind while drawing the necessary vectors on your material.
+Once you are confident you have drawn a logical cutting path for your whole job you need to specify this path to VCarve using `Toolpaths` -- the right hand side pop-out options menu.
+----
+{{:process_guide:vcarve_pin.jpg?direct&275 |}}
+{{ :process_guide:vcarve_toolpaths-2.JPG|}}
+== Toolpaths ==
+Make a toolpath for each logical cut your job makes.
+For example, if you were making a bas-relief of a particular size you would use 2 toolpaths:
+ ~ one toolpath to cut out the job from the material\\
+ ~ one toolpath to engrave the material
+There are several cutting options. The most commonly used are:
+[profile] cuts out a shape; \\
+[pocket] removes a pocket of material; \\
+[drill hole] drills a hole (!)
+You need to create each path individually. Try and think through your job so that you can put the paths in logical order.
+(Note: you can use the `pin` in the top right hand corner to stop this toolbar from popping closed.)
+{{ :process_guide:vcarve_toolpaths-bit.JPG|}}
+When you first create a path you need to set certain options.
+**Cutting Depths** -- You should know how deep you require the cut to be.
+If you are actually cutting a piece out add a bit so that you can be sure it cuts all the way through (eg for 3mm thick material you would set this to 3.2mm to cut all the way through **BUT YOU MUST ADD BUFFER MATERIAL UNDERNEATH YOUR JOB IN THIS CASE**).
+Obviously if you are creating a pocket or engraving you set the depth of the engraving (eg 1mm deep writing in 3mm thick material).
+**Tool** -- if you are not familiar with bits **PLEASE SEEK ADVICE ABOUT THIS** so you can know what is the most appropriate bit for your job.
+(Passes are calculated automatically)
+**Machine Vectors** -- you will hopefully have a good idea of what is the best vector for your job.
+If you are entirely cutting out one piece from another (a very common usage) use 'tabs' to keep your work steady.
+VCarve tends to put them in weird places, particularly corners -- move them to appropriate positions (out of awkward corners, evenly spaced). Eg: for Jarrah decking: tabs 5mm long, 3mm thick.
-You may end up with many unconnected vectors.
+Tips:
+Small bits carving aluminium get pushed around during pockets so that you end up with a ‘V’ shape/slope in profile. Solution: 2 tool paths: profile, then pocket.
+Skot’s favourite tool for jarrah and ply: 6mm end mill
+mm passes
+,000 rpm (slight risk of burning jarrah); acrylic: 12,000 rpm for not melting
+feed rate: 1300mm/min
+plunge rate: 600mm/min
+ramp plunge moves [√ ]
+safe Z = clearance above the wood and clamps
-It's better if there are as few toolpaths as possible. You can join disconnected vectors by using the **"Join open vectors"** buttons.
+Save Gcode (select all)
+Mach3 Arcs mm txt}}
+{{:process_guide:vcarve_all-toolpaths.JPG|}}