Far faster and smoother method to fix this in 2 easy steps. 1. Highlight profile vector. Click smooth lines along vector. Set to BREZIER CURVES. this reduces node count and far smoother cuts between them. 2. In profile click on ADD RAMPS TO TOOLPATH. Click SPIRAL. this will cut downward on a spiral. Each pass will spiral to your cut depth number per pass. 3. Optional “offset last pass” on profile vector will offset to your set amount and then make a super nice cleanup of the part without plunging while cutting. I think it’s Better to set this as its own toolpath so you can increase FeedRate or adjust rpm for less of a radial cut depth or z depth of cut on finish pass. Simply set offset in first toolpath. Let’s say 0.010 Then set the offset in second toolpath to zero. This way final cut is removing 0.010 worth of material for a smoother finish and reduced machine time with increased feedrate and rpm.
Excellent videos and you have a good way of explaining. It would be nice to see a shot of the finished result. I know its easy to imagine but a side by side comparison would finish off your videos nicely. Thanks.
Ain’t there a rubber band wrap feature to fix this same problem. I ran across it once but for the life of me I can not find it again. If anyone knows please let me know.
This worked wonderfully. Thank you. I have another issue. Whenever I do a cutout. I get this groove before and after the tab that holds my project. Any idea what it is and how to fix it?
Yea, i do have a question... When importing stl files, the edges look terrible. Its bumpy, cos it makes automatic the outline. But it tries to follow the pixels...how do you work around that?
If you have the actual Vectric file (.crv) then you can simply open it and in the job setup, just select the MM option and it will convert it to metric from imperial. Then you can output your tool paths. Our CNC systems use a metric post processor so whether you design in imperial or metric, the output G Code file will be in mm.
Is there a way to do this with a vbit? I get the same horizontal lines, but there is no 'last pass' option. Maybe just mimic it by doing a 15 thou offset toolpath for all but the last pass, then do a full depth pass at the final shape size?
I wonder how much cutter flex contributes to the issue. In a Machine Shop cutting steel it is a known fact that when conventional cutting that the cutter will “pull” into the work…often easily .010 or more.
With this method, does the finish pass method act like an offset mode, except for the last pass. Or in your example is the last pass .015 smaller than the part itself
If you're using Vectric VCarve Pro (I'm not sure about other CAD programs) the tabs aren't being removed because they override the "Do Saparate Pass" instructions. And if you think about it, you'll see why: if you cut off your tabs then there'll be nothing to hold the piece in place.
great videos, I especially like the one before this. I always spend time cleaning up vectors with node edit for the reason you mentioned. I wasn't aware of the "fit curves to vectors" tool, so I did it the long way. Thanks! Also can you recommend a good bit for profile cuts? 1 flute, 2 flute, up cut etc...?
I am working on a video on bits now. The best cut is going to come from a compression end mill as it will give you a clean top and bottom edge. Look for a 2 flute compression end mill from Amana Tool
I have always thought that a positive value number in the final pass allowance moved the cutter AWAY from the material, whereas a negative number (ie: -0.015) would move the cutter TOWARD the material, which is what you would want your above example. I can't find this documented either way in Vectric literature.
Sorry, I didn't mean to correct you. I was saying it so folks remember that it's important... people always say "Tram the spindle" and all the videos out there never mention that you have to tram your z axis, THEN tram the spindle. Nobody ever mentions the z axis as a whole thing. Great video, btw.
I think you meant "tramming" the spindle, and that you meant that the Z-axis needs to be coplaner to the spoilboard (what you've called the cutting bed). This latter issue is corrected by milling the spoilboard during your initial setup.
Far faster and smoother method to fix this in 2 easy steps.
1. Highlight profile vector. Click smooth lines along vector. Set to BREZIER CURVES. this reduces node count and far smoother cuts between them.
2. In profile click on ADD RAMPS TO TOOLPATH. Click SPIRAL. this will cut downward on a spiral. Each pass will spiral to your cut depth number per pass.
3. Optional “offset last pass” on profile vector will offset to your set amount and then make a super nice cleanup of the part without plunging while cutting. I think it’s Better to set this as its own toolpath so you can increase FeedRate or adjust rpm for less of a radial cut depth or z depth of cut on finish pass. Simply set offset in first toolpath. Let’s say 0.010 Then set the offset in second toolpath to zero. This way final cut is removing 0.010 worth of material for a smoother finish and reduced machine time with increased feedrate and rpm.
Excellent videos and you have a good way of explaining. It would be nice to see a shot of the finished result. I know its easy to imagine but a side by side comparison would finish off your videos nicely. Thanks.
Thank you. We use metric so it sounded like it was in Klingon but I get the idea and it is very useful. Many thanks.
Ain’t there a rubber band wrap feature to fix this same problem. I ran across it once but for the life of me I can not find it again. If anyone knows please let me know.
Does the final pass take out the vertical tab cut lines….it would save a lot of sanding if so!!!
This worked wonderfully. Thank you. I have another issue. Whenever I do a cutout. I get this groove before and after the tab that holds my project. Any idea what it is and how to fix it?
I fixed this by adding 3d Tabs
Yea, i do have a question... When importing stl files, the edges look terrible. Its bumpy, cos it makes automatic the outline. But it tries to follow the pixels...how do you work around that?
Thank you so much! This is just the tip I needed. Cheers!
These new tips and tricks videos are great! So beneficial ... thanks
Do you have a tool to convert the Vectric imperial files to metric?
If you have the actual Vectric file (.crv) then you can simply open it and in the job setup, just select the MM option and it will convert it to metric from imperial. Then you can output your tool paths. Our CNC systems use a metric post processor so whether you design in imperial or metric, the output G Code file will be in mm.
Thanks for the video and tutorial. Also you sound just like Charlie Day and I can’t unhear it. Which makes me want to view all of the tutorials now.
Is there a way to do this with a vbit? I get the same horizontal lines, but there is no 'last pass' option. Maybe just mimic it by doing a 15 thou offset toolpath for all but the last pass, then do a full depth pass at the final shape size?
Great video. Nice job on explaining potential problems with the bit and horizonal lines.
Another great video. I think a tramming video would be nice. Especially since I need to put the new upgraded spindle on my Q
Michael Bernasconi see Mark Lindsey’s site here on TH-cam for an ax Ellen’s video on tramping.
Excellent.
I wonder how much cutter flex contributes to the issue. In a Machine Shop cutting steel it is a known fact that when conventional cutting that the cutter will “pull” into the work…often easily .010 or more.
Indeed
With this method, does the finish pass method act like an offset mode, except for the last pass.
Or in your example is the last pass .015 smaller than the part itself
No, you keep the real dimensions. All passes are offset larger than the part itself, except for the last pass.
i still get bumps on the straight lines
Great explanation! Keep up the great work!
why not climb cut ?
With this end mill, i was getting better results with Conventional cutting - but that would not get rid of the pass depth lines regardless
What do you do in the case of a vcarve which turns out grooved with horizontal lines?
Have you tried this technique and it hasn't worked for you?
Im having some issues with the last pass removing my tabs. Is there a way to work around that?
If you're using Vectric VCarve Pro (I'm not sure about other CAD programs) the tabs aren't being removed because they override the "Do Saparate Pass" instructions. And if you think about it, you'll see why: if you cut off your tabs then there'll be nothing to hold the piece in place.
Great video
Thanks!!
great videos, I especially like the one before this. I always spend time cleaning up vectors with node edit for the reason you mentioned. I wasn't aware of the "fit curves to vectors" tool, so I did it the long way. Thanks! Also can you recommend a good bit for profile cuts? 1 flute, 2 flute, up cut etc...?
I am working on a video on bits now. The best cut is going to come from a compression end mill as it will give you a clean top and bottom edge. Look for a 2 flute compression end mill from Amana Tool
@@StepcraftInc Thanks, i'm looking forward to more videos
Super helpful and just in time for our crib boards. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Good video
Great tip!
Do you reverse direction for the clean-up ?
No, I did not need to
Just removed the .010" from the edge on the last pass
I have always thought that a positive value number in the final pass allowance moved the cutter AWAY from the material, whereas a negative number (ie: -0.015) would move the cutter TOWARD the material, which is what you would want your above example.
I can't find this documented either way in Vectric literature.
Trimming the spindle is fine, but you also have to make sure that you entire z axis is perpendicular to your cutting bed.
That is correct. When I mentioned tramming, I always think of both directions. Maybe I will do a video on tramming tips.
Sorry, I didn't mean to correct you. I was saying it so folks remember that it's important... people always say "Tram the spindle" and all the videos out there never mention that you have to tram your z axis, THEN tram the spindle. Nobody ever mentions the z axis as a whole thing. Great video, btw.
I think you meant "tramming" the spindle, and that you meant that the Z-axis needs to be coplaner to the spoilboard (what you've called the cutting bed). This latter issue is corrected by milling the spoilboard during your initial setup.