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tools:vcarve_instructions [2012/11/17 17:42] elena [VCarve Instructions] |
tools:vcarve_instructions [2020/03/12 12:49] (current) |
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- | ===== VCarve Instructions ===== | + | {{ : |
{{ : | {{ : | ||
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Artifactory members can make a folder on the network that can be accessed by Swarf-O-Mat. | 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 ==== | ==== Existing Tutorials ==== | ||
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- | ==== VCarve | + | ==== VCarve |
- | 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 == | == Open VCarve == | ||
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**Size/ | **Size/ | ||
- | Note the size limits. | + | Specify |
+ | |||
+ | 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 | * Width(x): 440mm | ||
- | * Height(y): | + | * Height(y): |
* Thickness(z): | * Thickness(z): | ||
+ | |||
+ | (Actual machine area: 460x600x70, but need to allow space to affix job.) | ||
**XY Position** | **XY Position** | ||
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== VCarve | == VCarve | ||
- | {{: | + | {{: |
Congratulations! You now have a blank bit of material. | Congratulations! You now have a blank bit of material. | ||
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These paths are **vectors** and map out the route that the Swarf-O-Mat will take to cut out your job. | These paths are **vectors** and map out the route that the Swarf-O-Mat will take to cut out your job. | ||
+ | |||
{{: | {{: | ||
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The **" | The **" | ||
- | ... | + | 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 **" |
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | == 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.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{ : | ||
+ | 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 ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 | ||
+ | 3mm passes | ||
+ | 24,000 rpm (slight risk of burning jarrah); acrylic: 12,000 rpm for not melting | ||
+ | feed rate: 1300mm/ | ||
+ | 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 **" | + | Save Gcode (select all) |
+ | Mach3 Arcs mm txt}} | ||
+ | {{: | ||