Start Point -Revisited

[matt_r]

Is there a way to move the start point of a vector object (the green square)? In reading this thread:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/1038/2943.html
it seems this topic was approached before. But I tried the things it mentioned with no luck. The thread was also prior to the release of Version 2, which I have.
Can somebody shed some light on how to move a start point of a closed vector object. I would like to be able to do this to change where my tool starts cutting.

Thanks,

Matt

[matt_r]

Never mind. After a little more searching, and looking in the PW manual, I found the answer. I needed to be looking under the "Node Editing" tool, not the Transform tool. Once in node editing mode, it was a simple right click operation on the point of my choice to become the new start point.

Thanks,
Matt

[paco]

Hi Matt!

Quick tip; you don't need to be in "Node edit mode"... just point a the vector where you "think" there is a node and press "P". If you drag the Selector tool on a vector, it will change while above a node...


4475


4476

[matt_r]

Paco,
Sweeeet. Love the shortcut keys!

Thanks.

-Matt

[paco]

Glad you like it!

There's more... unfortunatly, the Index from the help menu does'nt work in PW2 (for me), which indicate all of 'em (know that from Insignia)... but look at the menus and you'll find some more; like cut vector, join, close, nodes edit mode, group/ungroup, remove span, convert to line/bezier/arc, transform menu, insert point...

[simon]

Paco
I read your post on vector editing in PW, I can certainly get the green node to appear, but PW seems to want to put the tool start and finish point in exactly the same place as before when I come to make a toolpath.
What am I missing?

[paco]

Hey Simon!

You need to re-calculate the toolpath; assuming you made the start point change after you have created a toolpath... it did work for me as I wrote this... PW2 it is... just in case...


4477


4478


4479

Does that help?

[simon]

Paco
Still does not work. I do make sure that I calculate toolpath after setting new start point.
I Must not have the most uptodate version of PW. (Actually I dont know which one I do have.) The opening page just says PartWizard

[simon]

Okay what about this? The start point seems to be controllable with "Machine along vectors" But when I use "Profiling wizard" PW ignores my designated start point and starts at the same place regardless of where I tell it to start.
DUH?

[jay]

Simon,
I have PW 1.02 The way to see what version you have is to point and click on the help in the top right of your screen, then click on about Parts Wizard. Your version number will be shown in the new screen.

I have just tried to move the start point successfully with Profiling wizard. Then again with success gone to Shopbot control consule (Shopbot 3) to preview how the profile was cut. It does use the new start point.

I hope this helps. Now we know in ver 1.02 you can change the start point.
Cheers, Jay

[paco]

Hey Simon!

I think this a basic feature (always there) of PW...

Have you tried with another vector just to see?... could your vector be locked or open?... I can have a look at your file if you want (or upload here if not to large)...

[simon]

Jay I have 1.02.
I import a large S turned on its side, from Illustrator. I first ungroup it so all the nodes show up. If I dont do anything else, the toolpath will start on the bottom inside curve, about half way up. I right click on another point, at random, push Insert Start Point, a green square appears exactly where I want it to.
Go to Profiling wizard, select 6.35mm end mill, Calculate toolpath, save it, open in Preview mode of SB3, and bingo, the tool goes down exactly where it did before, ignoring my green start point. Bottom inside curve, half way up.
Go back to PW, check the vectors again, and there is my green start point still where I put it, but the toolpath simply ignores it.
Should I re-load PW? Or am I missing something?

[paco]

Simon,

does PW preview show as SB3? or "as it should" (with the start point where you want it)?

Is the file your previewing in SB3 is actually the one that is being "update" (the very same; or a copy)?!

[simon]

Paco!
I hear you. 1,Yes. 2,tried new files, copies, new names,etc.
I can speed up the check by putting in a plasma lead in, and this will show me where the path will start. Same result. I can control things like circles, rectangles, but when it comes to letters, no control whatsoever.
Am I the only one having this? I cannot think of any steps I am missing.

[paco]

Look like so Simon... I've made it with text (ungrouped in PW2)...

I'm sorry I can't help you further... though, I can look at your file if you sent it to me... I'll see if I can get my V1 to run on the other PC...

[burchbot]

I did a large S in P.W. and I can move my start point to different spots on the S. It shows on the ShopBot preview.
Dan

[simon]

Paco
You have mail.
Simon

[paco]

4480


4481


4482


4483


4484


4485

[paco]

Simon,

you might want to re-insall... just for fun... if fun there is!

Let me know if I can help further.