Question about Design Process & Toolpaths

[knedert]

Hello All,
I am still trying to figure out the best way to get from point A to B in terms of work flow.

I've got a handle on the vector wrangling... it's translating it all into toolpaths that keeps giving me fits. I've studied the tutorials over and over, but can't seem to find the answers to *Why I should use a particular toolpath or bit size, etc.*

Will someone confirm for me whether or not I can combine 2D and 3D toolpaths on the same piece? Something like a carved (raised) flower on the face of a curvy sign that has V-carved letters.
Can the relief be machined down to a certain level and then a 2nd toolpath/file be run to cut V-carved letters, then a 3rd toolpath to cut the entire piece from the main workboard using 2D profile?

I realize that it's all a matter of time, and one of these days the lightbulb will go off above my head...-til then I'm just gonna be working on building that vector library.

Any help is certainly appreciated and looked for...
Thanks in advance.
Rose

[paco]

Rose,

YES, 3D and 2D strategie toolpathing CAN be used on a single project (or part).

As for how this is feasible, I'd say it's all about how much you're willing to spend... such package as ArtCAM PRO will "deliver it to your door" (or close to...) or you can try (and accomplish) a combination of both 3D and 2D toolpathing from 2 separate packages. It's a matter of positionning (or indexing) the file together. This one (http://www.cooptel.qc.ca/~usinum/demo_finishpart_usinum.jpg) is one of my earlier demo that combine 3D and 2D toolpathing...

[gene_marshall]

Rose,
Paco is right.
Combining a software program with an auto tool changer would be the way to get you there.

When we bought our bots we opted out of the spindle/toolchanger.
our solution has been to add the v-carve shape to the 3d model and just cut it all with the same bit.
www.mmwk.com (http://www.mmwk.com) is our site and under "signs" you can see the "morris tree".
On that peice we cut entirely with a 1/8 ball and the truck sign was by manually changing the bits from ball end to 90 v-carve.

cheers
gene

[jsfrost]

Rose,
You pose a difficult question "*Why I should use a particular toolpath or bit size, etc.*" For many projects there are a variety of ways to get the job done, and part of the "best method" is specific to your setup (router or spindle, vacume hold down or clamps), software, available bit selection, and personal experience. As you gain experience you acquire a feel that is difficult to articulate.

Often the best choice is the largest bit that will fit the curves of your design, with a bit shape matching the desired profiles. Sometimes choosing a smaller bit to clear a modest size area pays off, if this will machine into tight corners and will avoid a bit change. Other times, the small bit area clear takes so long that it's better to do the job with two bits and a tool change. Intricate shapes need small bits, usually ball end, and take lots of machine time.

In the end, if a method works for you it's right.

As a side note, I find the documentation for Part Wizard/Insignia/Pro to be very detailed on how to steps, and absolutely silent on the reason the steps/toolpath strategies were chosen. After trying working a tutorial many times I can sometimes decifer why this or that was done. Sometimes not.

[artisan]

Rose: If you have 3D capabilities, then 2D is very simple. 3D files are very complex.....say 10 times more so than a 2D file. They are best left to themselves in my experience. They can however, be easily "grouped" with 2D files and your project can be done in steps. Over time you will find this more desirable I think. If you ever have a problem with a file (and you will), it is much easier if you do NOT have all your eggs in one basket....or one large file. There is no problem grouping a "Rough Out" file with a 3D file of a flower, a "V Carve" file and a final "Cut-out" file for a sign. This all depends on your software to some extent, but I think the "Group" function will handle your problem just fine in most cases....D