How do you cut flat panels with grooves?

[j_richardson]

I use Autodesk Inventor to create 3D models, and Partworks 3D to machine prototypes. But I want to make something like a bookcase from 3/4" plywood.

So if I want to cut a piece that's 12" X 60", that has a 3/4" wide rabbet around 3 sides and some 3/4" dados crosswise (for shelves), what cam software do I use? Partworks 3D doesn't seem appropriate, because the cutter wants to go back and forth over the entire surface instead of just cutting along the grooves. I can skip to the cut-out function to cut out the outline, but how do I get the grooves?

This seems like a no-brainer, but I've spent hours searching the forums for the answer.

[Gary Campbell]

Jed...
Partworks will do that just fine. Define your dados or rabbets with overlaping rectangle that go off the edge of the material, set a depth to machine them and pocket to that depth. Then cut the rectangle for the outer profile.
Gary

[j_richardson]

Thanks, Gary. So it's Partworks, not Partworks3D, correct? I just started looking at Partworks today. And is it correct that I would not use the solid CAD models that I already created, but would have to create the panels in Partworks? I wish I could use my models, since I have to create them anyway to design the assemblies, create renderings, etc. Seems like there should be an easier way.

[myxpykalix]

jed,
When i design something most times it starts out with a 2d version of the outline of a part like your shelf part. Sometimes depending on what program you use when you load up a 3d part you see a 2d representation like a dxf. Can't you take the dxf and use it?

Because what you want to do is all 2d operations. They are more cutting then carving as in 3d.

[Gary Campbell]

Jed...
Yes, Partworks. You can save your Acad drawings as a 2d DXF (Acad ver 12) with or without depth and then import those vectors into PWKs. This works very well for the outline cuts, but not so well for dados, as you need to cut beyond your edges by at least 1/2 bit diameter to eliminate the little "corner nib".

There is no reasonable priced "easier way". The majority of the good CAD programs do not have CAM features. An exception is MicroVellum, which is embedded on/with Acad and adds machining ability.

Once you get used to a export scenario, especially if can define layers, your import into PWKs for toolpathing will be a few minute job.

We use eCabinets for our cabinet and furniture design and manufacturing. It is known to be weak in the drawing export, but in conjunction with the ShopBot Link, adds advanced parametric toolpath abilities far beyond what is available in most of the CAD/CAM suites.

Here is a shot of an example of proper dado vectors:


8514
Gary

[bob_s]

I would suggest that you take a serious look at Ryan Patterson's Cabinet Parts Pro http://www.cabinetpartspro.com/
Even if you are only making a few cabinets it will save you the price of the program on your first job. It is parametric so once you get your dados and rabbits set to your liking making other size cabinets is incredibly fast. Even changing material thickness is simple, with my "old" method that was a real time killer. The settings were a little confusing to me, not originally a cabinet maker, but once Ryan walked me through it they are simple. (Ryan also works full time for Shopbot, so he obviously knows these machines intimately)