Okay, I ordered an indexer, haven't received it yet, and have a very simple question. What would be the procedure to square a blank using the indexer so I would be able to put some designs on it??
Okay, I ordered an indexer, haven't received it yet, and have a very simple question. What would be the procedure to square a blank using the indexer so I would be able to put some designs on it??
Daryl...
I will take a stab at it.
mount blank
set zero to center
do a rastered area clear at z height = 1/2 desired size
rotate to 90 degrees
repeat area clear
rotate to 180
repeat area clear
rotate to 270
repeat area clear
Gary Campbell
GCnC Control
GCnC411(at)gmail(dot)com
Servo Controller Upgrades
http://www.youtube.com/user/Islaww1
"We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them"
— Albert Einstein
Gary, thanks for the reply. I realize I would have to rotate the necessary 90 degrees etc. How would I rotate the necessary 90 degrees? maybe a silly question but am new to the indexer, sorry.
Your indexer moves in degrees so 360 degrees is one revolution so if you are flat on top them just do a MB 90 and that should rotate it one forth to the next side.
Randall Newcomb has done some excellent indexer tutorials, not sure if they are back online but are for elementary and experienced users.
Jack, thanks for the reply. Your answer "mb 90'" explains a lot to me. Thanks
Assuming your indexer is on B then
MB360 1 revolution
MB3600 10 revolutions
MB36000 100 revolutions ect
I think i have some pictures and tutorial info i can send you that might give you some general knowlege
Last edited by myxpykalix; 06-01-2010 at 12:54 PM. Reason: forgot something...
For another option there's a "Turn blank to polygon" option in the Indexer Virtual Tool [TI] that might be helpful.
You can also use the Vector Unwrapper gadget:
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out
another good day in the shop
Bill and Randall, where are your suggestions located? I can't find either of them or is it in some software that I will receive when I get my indexer I ordered? If in Aspire where is it???
For Bill's suggestion, from within the normal ShopBot control software, simply type "TI" (without the quotes) or click on the "Tools" menu and select "Indexer". A window will pop up asking what you want to do. Select the fourth option down the list: "Turn the blank into a polygon with multiple faces" and proceed from there. I would suggest that you practice with some air cuts and then on a piece of scrap before working on your actual piece.