intersecting components

[don62]

ok - thoroughly enjoying 9.5!! and my first indexer project is a nice challenge. need help with intersecting components - where the spiral begins and ends. i used a profile to make that entire piece then added the spiral in the center. my thought is that there should be 5 profiles - the two ends, the two doughnuts (if you will) and a center pole on which i put the spirals. appreciate your thoughts and suggestions
Don

[coryatjohn]

For my first indexer project, I made a cylinder...

[don62]

Actually my first were rolling pins, made from solid surface. But those were manual cuts, this will be the first using Aspire

[coryatjohn]

I suggest experimenting on 4x4's from your local big box store. Great material for playing with an indexer.

[don62]

Got one from hd - it is the next step after some final tweaking - the 4x4 was your idea and a good one. Later today or tomorrow we shall see just what happens.

[don62]

Just an up date - ran out of time to do a test run - needs to wait until i get back from trip - but i solved the problem of how to intersect components - no pictures now, but making progress learning aspire 3d and indexer software - btw training videos suppied by Vectric are exellent and very helpful

[rcnewcomb]

If you are interested, it is possible to do this design using 2D toolpaths and a larger diameter form tool (point roundover). That way it could be machined in about 30-40 minutes.

[coryatjohn]

If you are interested, it is possible to do this design using 2D toolpaths and a larger diameter form tool (point roundover). That way it could be machined in about 30-40 minutes.

I totally agree there. Besides being quicker, the results will likely be better too.

[don62]

Came up with the same idea and ordered such a router bit - my current ‘challenge’ is that i am now in southern florida visiting my wife’s sister and family..... so when i return i plan to try the point round over - cheers
don

[rcnewcomb]

I think you will be pleased with the point roundover. A large ballnose also works well with the indexer.

Using vectors that are close together will "overlap" when cut deep enough and generate what looks like a 3D design.
RotaryFlute.zip