3D Model HELP!!

[scotto]

When I cut a 3d model the detail is terrible! HELP!!!

My friend has an older benchtop Alpha with a PC router. I have a Buddy 48 Alpha with a spindle. Even when I use his generated toolpaths, the same .125 Freud ballnose, Red Oak wood, the quality of detail is night and day. He is using the same Post Processor as me, "Shopbot arc inch alpha control". I did have one 3D model about a year and half ago that turned out excellent. Other than that whenever I try one, I get awful detail.

All other 2D work, text, logos, etc... look great! I figure I must have someting set up wrong??

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

Scott

[ssflyer]

How are you setting Z-Zero? How do your 2d cuts look - pictures and more description of the problem would help.

[scotto]

Yes, the Z-Zero is set. All other work, text, etc.. looks great with the right depth.

I use Aspire and when you preview the toolpaths, you can see excellent detail.

Like I said, I used a 3d model he set up and tool pathed. I selected the Post and ran the roughing and finish passes. When we compared the finished products side by side, his looked great and mine you could barely make out the lighthouse and deer in the cutout.

Any ideas??

[myxpykalix]

you know the old saying...."a picture is worth a thousand words".:eek:
that would let us see your cutting. Maybe your stepover is bad, maybe your depth is incorrect.:confused:

[feinddj]

Check your MODEL RESOLUTION in the set up screen. If you are importing the model in, even with everything else the same you need to set that to highest.

[scotto]

I can't get a pic tonight, sorry!

I am cutting the same exact project that he designed (setup). I am using his toolpaths. We both zeroed from the surface of the material, used the same Post, same material, same toolpaths (he emailed those to me and I did not alter), the same .125" ballnose. The stepover that he set and we both used was 10% and his carving looked great, mine poor. The only difference I can see is our machines.

The model was an imported .stl from Vectorclip3D. Question? When selecting the model resolution, isn't that only for a model you create yourself? Does that setting affect completed imported models?

I hope I'm getting across clearly???

[garyc]

Scott...
Check for binds in your Z axis (with the motor disengaged). While the motor is off check the grub screws on the pinion. Set the pinion lash as per the manual. Might as well check the X and Y motors too.

Also, check V rollers on bottom of YZ car. These should eliminate any mechanical causes.

[srwtlc]

Scott,

So you're saying that the file (actual cutting file that is run on the machine) that he used is the same one that you used? If that is the case, that takes any design software and related resolution out of the picture. If your machine is tight (per Gary's instructions) and accurate in any other 2D/2.5D cutting, then how about the tool? Is this the same 0.125" ballnose that worked for you before (you said you did one that was excellent)? If not, does this one run true? Any amount of out of round would really mess up a 3D file. Another issue could be the difference in ramp settings between machines. If your machine is making the 3D transition moves abruptly, the resulting 'jiggle' can be transferred to the toolpath. Oak is a poor detail holding kind of wood, try some maple or some walnut maybe.

Without going into great detail here on optimal ramp values for 3D work, you can follow this link to read up on it and give various settings a try until you home in on some that work for your machine. http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2008/03/a-ramping-the-vr-command-and-how-to-tune-your-tool-for-maximum-performance/

I see you're from Fondy. I'll be in your town in a couple of weeks. I'm sure I'd have some free time over the weekend if you want a visitor. ;)

[scotto]

Problem solved!!!

After talking with Frank from Shopbot, the V bearings for the Z axis were way too tight from the get go. I adjusted them and magically there was way more detail in the carvings!

My original "excellent" project, was actually subpar. Due to ignorance, I thought it was good! HAHA

Thanks for the replies!!! The learning never ends!