I have never, to date, had to use variables in a cutting file, but have now come up against a problem.
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This diagram shows a proposed jig for cutting what I believe are called 'sliding dovetails'. The long ones that, for instance, allows you to set a shelf into a bookcase side.
The white triangle is the base of the jig, set at the same angle as the dovetail bit.
The green shape allows a reference point (yellow circle) that can be the initial 0,0 point, and can also be accurately referenced to point B.
Now we have no problem moving the bit to the start point at 'cut start' and removing the red section.
However, I wish to remove precisely that much red from each board, whatever the thickness of the board (within reason).
Knowing the thickness of the board, this is not difficult.
However, this point changes with thicker or thinner boards.
So I have to change the position of x/z cut start for each different thickness board.
So I imagine I can have a variable which is var1 (-x), and var2(+z).
Can I write a file that allows the program to halt at the start, to allow me to enter the 2 variables?
Or do they need to be hard coded?
It is easy in Excel to make a table that produces the right variable for each thickness.
It would be nice to have a constant (thickness) whereby entering the new thickness the program would compute the new varx and var z in relation to the Constant.
The alternative is to produce a whole series of files for each thickness of timber, which is not that arduous, but I was hoping for a more elegant solution.
.............Mike