Depth of Cut Error

[rickbw]

Hope this is the correct place to post this question. I'm new to Vetric / Aspire and have been playing around with creating some plaques (files only - have not attempted to cut any on the ShopBot yet). I created a "fish plaque" and then attempted to create a tool path to cut out a V on the outer edge. I attempted to use the V Bit 90 which comes with the ShopBot Desktop starter kit. For some reason when I attempt to set up the tool path I get an error that states I am cutting 4+ inches (the board I have set up for is .5 inch. I have attached 2 printscreens that show the tool setup (as received with the Partworks software) and the error screen. Why is the software attempting to cut to 4+ inches. I am lost on this and can't seem to find what I am doing wrong......

[steve_g]

Rick:

I am unable to read the messages from your attachments due to the size, but ... I think I know your problem.

Based on what you're describing, I think that you should be trying to make the cut using the "profile" tool path. With it choose a V bit then you can choose to cut "on" the line and choose a depth. The V- carve tool path is for removing all material inside of closed vectors down to the depth they would meet (in your case 4") below the surface.

I know this can be confusing... V-carving dose not describe the bit but rather the technique!

This has been a fast explanation of a subject that can be very extensive. let me know if this was to brief.

Steve

[steve_g]

Rick

I'm not sleepy and so I thought I would Illustrate the difference between profile cuts and V-carving. I hope this clarifies my previous answer!

Steve

[myxpykalix]

Steve I like your "tutorial"...well put together..:D

[rickbw]

Steve - Thank you that definitely does help with the issue.


Being someone who needs to understand why (a problem of mine :)), I still cannot figure out why the original V Carve bit wanted to go 4+ inches and what part of the software is telling it to go that deep?? Just need to know if I want to use it later....

Thanks again for your quick response - this board is a great help for someone new like me!

[tmerrill]

Rick,

The problem is with the vectors your were using to define the boundary for the v-carved toolpath. Most likely there is an open vector and Aspire then used the next closed vector to define the v-carve boundary which led to the depth of cut warning.

In this case, Aspire did nothing wrong as it can only work with what it is given. In fact, it did a great job giving you the warning and protecting your bit, project and spoilboard.

If you can post the project (assuming no copyright protected components) we can show you exactly what the problem is and how to correct it.

Tim

[steve_g]

Rick:

My illustration should have had a fourth fish. Here it is. To show what I think the program was trying to do, realize that the material in this illustration is shown as 5" thick.

Steve

[steve_g]

Rick:

I'm only guessing as to the issues you're having with out seeing the part file. If as Tim has suggested, you have open or overlapping vectors... the solution is different than I have suggested. I have attached some extreme examples of what your toolpath might look like if that is the issue.

Steve

[rickbw]

Thanks everyone for the explanations. The next time I have the issue (I've deleted the original file already) I will post it.