photovcarve test run

[Mhoff]

I am looking to purchase photoVcarve for our school and have not had great luck with the trial version. I know that it is water marked but it will not turn the spindle on and it starts in a random spot on the bed. I read something about a command to start the spindle but am mystified with the fact that it moves completely off the work piece. Any thoughts and advice would be welcome before I spend the money.

Thanks

[myxpykalix]

Most problems like you describe is due to human error. As far as starting the spindle that is something controlled by the control software and post processor for your machine.
When you set up the photo within photovcarve, i think you have to designate the material size, and placement of the photo within your material.
Then you have to set your "start point" being either the center or corner of the material. Once you define the parameters of your material, and your cutting area within the material then you won't have problems. As it is you are just not doing something correct.
Rest assured we ALL have done this when starting out. Maybe post some pictures or files to show us what you are doing so we can see exactly what is going on.

[Mhoff]

I will keep trying. I may have entered the wrong dimensions for the work piece and the cut is starting on the far side and working back to zero. I have been doing well with placing different cuts at the correct coordinates. I can try some pics as I go.
Thanks

[myxpykalix]

Where the cut starts (within the confines of the material) is usually calculated by the program. Here is a picture that might help.
in this example your table is 48x96
your material is 24x36
place your picture within the 24x36 and define it's start point (X,Y zero start point in center of material for example)
Google is your friend
http://support.vectric.com/training-material/photovcarve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krFyBxYwWW8

[jerry_stanek]

in the setup of the material where is the X Y Datum position if it doesn't match where you place the piece on your table then the cut will be off. I always set mine at the bottom left and use the tables X Y zero. What Shopbot do you have. is it setup to turn the spindle on and are you using the proper post

[gundog]

I have been thinking of getting photo V-carve what type & size bit do you use to carve with? Do the files take a long time to produce? I have an idea that I want to explore but if it takes many hours of machine time to produce a say 8" x 10" project I doubt I could make any money on said item.

[myxpykalix]

Any lithopane i've done has been within a 12"x12" piece of corian and mine usually take between 4-6 hours using a 1/8th ballnose

[jerry_stanek]

I use a 1/16 ball nose taper bit for my lithos and 3D carvings. I bought them from Carvewright when they had a sale on them

[gundog]

Those are nice Jack!

[Xray]

I use a 1/32 ballnnose and get details down to a single strand of hair.
8x10 takes around 5 or 6 hours, could be less if you are willing to sacrifice detail.
I've sold quite a few and made some as gifts, actually more labor and $$ involved making the light box than the litho.

[Mhoff]

I have been using the bottom left as zero as well. I only have encountered the problem with that one cut. I may have messed up on the dimensions. I will try again later today.

Thanks

[Mhoff]

I had success. This was with a 1/8 in round nose. I found that the issue I was having was I used an offset that was not just perfect. Now it is time to mix and match and get it to be better.

[Joe Porter]

As Jack has said, your actual piece of material should be the dimensions in your drawing. If I am using a piece that is smaller than my table, I go measure what I have and then enter that in my drawing. What ever corner or center you use in your drawing, you must use at the machine. As far as off sets and table zero X and Y, I wouldn't use anything preset. Put your material where you want it and move your cutter to the 0 point you show in your drawing and zero both your X and Y (Look at the Zero drop down), (I use the arrow keys to move around the table), (Settings, Key Pad Control) and then zero your Z as you show in your drawing and you are set. As you can see from the design software, your material must be parallel to the X and Y axes of the machine and X and Y must correspond with each other. I hope this is of some help...joe

[curtisbenzle]

32706Any help would be wonderful. We ae getting a lot of pitting. We're using Photo V Carve

thanks

[Xray]

32706Any help would be wonderful. We ae getting a lot of pitting. We're using Photo V Carve

thanks

Not exactly clear what it is you are trying to do, what tooling/settings you are using ect. Offhand, that does not even appear to be a lithophane.

[jerry_stanek]

What does it look like when you hold it up to a light.