Cutting Out Full Size Letters

[banderson]

I'm trying to cut out a large letter B out of MDF board! The size would be like 7.5"x12" . How would I cut it out? A pocketing tool path cuts it out nicely but I couldn't figure out how to add tabs or something to keep the B in place! How would you go about cutting it out? Thanx for the help!!

[adrianm]

Presume you're using PartWorks or VCarve?

I cut things like that with a profile cut rather than a pocket cut. The option for tabs is on the profile toolpath.

[banderson]

Yes I'm using PartWorks!! I tried to use a profile tool path because it has the tab option but it wouldn't cut out the center holes of the letter B! How do I do it?

[jerry_stanek]

Is the B converted to curves

[adrianm]

Just select the letter (if it's still text rather than curves clicking on it once should select the inner and outer vectors) and then create your profile toolpath. Partworks will automatically create the toolpath for the inner parts as well.

If your letter is made up of separate vectors rather than being text created with the PartWorks text tool then you may not have selected the inner vectors and/or there is a problem with one of those vectors (overlap, loop etc) that is stopping the toolpath from being created.

If possible could you attach the CRV partworks file here?

[jerry_stanek]

I don't think Aspire will let you add tabs to text but if you convert to curves just select both vectors and you can add them.

[adrianm]

Bret, try the attached file and see if you can spot a difference with what you're doing.

Jerry is correct that you can't add tabs to text directly but the software will convert the text for you when you try to add the tabs to the text.

That wouldn't explain why you're not getting the inner parts of the B not cutting out though.

[banderson]

Awesome!! Thank you all!! I created the letter to fit to curves and then was able to use a profile tool path and added tabs!! You all rock!! Thanx again :)