Widgetworks Sharpie Pen Tool Definition

[Mike_K]

Hiya. I have Partworks 3.503 and a Shopbot Desktop.

I'm using the Widgetworks Sharpie pen (thick line). I am trying to add it as a tool to the tool database in Partworks.

The tool that I was thinking of editing to start with, the (Imperial Tools> Specialist> Diamond Drag), appears to be buggy or missing as I can see it in the database, but I can't select or view it.

I have tried to edit a different tool, but I am getting errors (spindle speed cannot be zero, for example).

Can someone send me a definition for a Sharpie tool, or tell me what I'd need to do to make one? I'm a newbie and feeling in a bit over my head here.

http://www.widgetworksunlimited.com/CNC_Plotter_Pen_Bit_Thick_Line_p/cnc-pltr_pen_thick.htm

[andyb]

Mike,
I create a new tool with the diameter of the tool in the Widgetworks instruction sheet. You can set the tool speed to 1. Just don't start you spindle. I don't have my instruction sheet with me are I would walk you through it.

Andy B.

[knight_toolworks]

I just do like 200 on speed. but what I have noticed with the new shopbot software when I go to cut the spindle is stuck at that speed. I stop and start and it is fine. I just use an endmill save a toolpath template for it. I always draw on the line so width is not important.

[Mike_K]

Ah, ok, starting to make sense, thanks. And it looks like the diamond drag is only used for "Quick Engraving Toolpaths", is that what I should be using for plotting with pen?

[dlcw]

Since the software (Partworks, Aspire, etc.) does not allow a speed of 0, I create the SBP file and then go into the file and delete the command to start and stop the spindle.

It would be nice if the software allowed a speed of 0 for spindle/router. :D

[beacon14]

You can create a postprocessor that does not contain the commands to set the spindle speed or turn the spindle on or off. Then you would just select that postprocessor when saving the toolpath and it would work just the way you want.