Engraving on convex surface

[jTr]

Client wants a logo carved/engraved onto faces (convex) of curved crest rail of a batch of dining chairs for a restaurant. Since I have a 'bot, it is assumed I can do so as I produce the chairs, but I've done very little carving/engraving. Is this possible in VCarve Pro? Is Aspire essential? Can it be done at all?

Thanks,

Jeff

[feinddj]

Do some tests, but it should be fine. Duplicate the curve using a two rail sweep. That gives you the curve of the chair and then check the project onto model box in your toolpath. The big issue will be placing the chair on the table consistently and whether the curve is identical.

David

[scottp55]

Jeff,
Very doable with VCP8 IF!!!! you can get the rail scanned or have someone make you an .STL using the "project onto 3D model" option.
Sorry it's a dish, but that's what I was playing with, it was the "Dome" in the 3D model tab....and I just stretched it into an oval for this demo.
Maybe a probe(Know Nothing about) for a "Good enough" shape?
Shape is first hurdle----Like David said---hold down and reference maybe a Big second one:)
10 minutes(AND I didn't know what I was doing:)
scott

[jTr]

Sounds good - had a vague notion VCP8 could now execute this this.
Scott - I think the stretched oval was a great idea- could be just the thing to get this done.
Now I just need to contact HQ and purchase the upgrade...

Thanks guys,

Jeff

[scottp55]

Jeff,
Still best to get an .stl made as close to the actual chair as possible, BUT I was thinking(dangerous) that if you did a linear array of lines and a fluting toolpath at as close to the actual depth as possible and matched up the oval...Then a piece of scrap could give you close to what an actual cut would give you?
Without an .stl a preview will be garbage, but maybe a 120degree will soften the deeper edges on sides where material bows up enough to MAYBE get away without the .stl? Going to be pretty funky looking shapes but the VCarve should be similar if oval is slightly deeper than the curvature and you Z at lowest spot?
At worst with a little putzing, it should give you a curved jig/clamp for the workpiece?
Just thinking, and if any can point out an obvious mistake....I claim insufficient caffeination:)
Watch your gantry moves:)
scott

[scottp55]

Darn, Missed edit.
Z-Zero to highest point.