Duplicate toolpaths

[stargategfx]

I created a prototype of a piece in Part Wizard which had fairly complex toolpathing.
After successfully cutting the single prototype on a 2'x2' blank I would now like to cut multiple copies on a 4'x8' blank.
Is it possible to duplicate the toolpaths and lay them out efficiently (rotate and angle) to minimize wasted material?
Am I missing something obvious or must I really lay out multiple copies of the vector art and write new toolpaths for all of them?

[paco]

PW2 do not allow to copy a toolpath; you will need to manually nest (copy from your prototype) your vector(s) than create a toolpath for thoses multiples which will get you to what you are looking for... you may want to do the ordering of the toolpath manually too (create a toolpath for each copy of your vectors) to ensure proper machining...

[Paul Amos (Unregistered Guest)]

Hi Boyd

There is a part file in the shopbot control called S_nest.sbp which allows you to cut multiple copies on a 8'x4' sheet, however you will not be able to rotate and angle the toolpaths.

[stargategfx]

Paul, You Da Man!!!
While it isn't the greatest nesting utiliy, its better than nothing.
Thanks.

[andrewm]

Boyd,

You want to create a master file that will replicate your part on the sheet. It doesn't do rotations but will repeat it on the sheet. Here is an example of a master part file we use to cut out a shelf design we have. The PartWizard file is 24x24 and we use 3 tools so there is code to propt for tool changes. This file cuts out four shelves on a 48x48 sheet.I always make a folder for each part I cut then name the files to cut by step and tool. Step 1 is to cut with a Vbit, so the file is named "1 vbit.sbp". Step 2 is a 1/4 straight bit, so the file is named"2 14bit.sbp" etc.

'FP,1vbit,x,y,z,rep,2 offset - File Format
J3, 6,6,2.5
'Load V Bit.
Pause
C2
'Turn on Spindle
pause
'move to first part
J2,0,0
FP,1 vbit,,,,,2
'move to second part
J2,0,24
FP,1 vbit,,,,,2
'move to third part
J2,24,0
FP,1 vbit,,,,,2
'move to fourth part
J2,24,24
FP,1 vbit,,,,,2
'return for bit change
J3, 6,6,2.5

'Load 1/4 straight bit
pause
C2
'Turn on Spindle.
pause
J2,0,0
FP,2 14bit,,,,,2
'move to second part
J2,0,24
FP,2 14bit,,,,,2
'move to third part
J2,24,0
FP,2 14bit,,,,,2
'move to fourth part
J2,24,24
FP,2 14bit,,,,,2
'return for bit change
J3, 6,6,2.5

'Load 3/8 spiral chipper bit
pause
C2
'Turn on Spindle.
pause
J2,0,0
FP,3 38bit,,,,,2
'move to second part
J2,0,24
FP,3 38bit,,,,,2
'move to third part
J2,24,0
FP,3 38bit,,,,,2
'move to fourth part
J2,24,24
FP,3 38bit,,,,,2
'return for bit change
J3 96,24,2