Copying existing parts

[mark]

I am about to try and get going with the probe routine in the sb2b10 software. Has anyone used it with any success ? I would be grateful for any tips about the nature of the probe itself and the methods used.

[densull@megsinet.net]

Another way to copy existing parts, as Shopbotter Patrick Kirgan of Kirgan Farms has found:
Skalar Systems can do it for you at a reasonable cost. We can give you DXF or GCode files for patterns up to 5' x 12' or even larger. The files will contain lines and arcs, not hundreds of short line segments. Trace your pattern on heavy paper, roll it up in a tube and send it to us. We can deliver your files on disk or by email.
You can fax or email a sketch of your pattern to us for a price quotation.
Contact Dan or Dennis at:
Skalar Systems
708 Congress Park Drive
Dayton, Ohio 45459
voice/fax 937 435 8151 (days)
email:densull@megsinet.net (mailto:densull@megsinet.net)
or: shapediger@yahoo.com (mailto:shapediger@yahoo.com)

[david allen]

can the probe be added in parallel to the router?
I was thinking that the probe could be set about 2 feet down from the cutter with a profile the same size as the cutter and used to directly copy a part.
the part to be copied would be placed under the probe while the blank would be under the cutter. as the probe was moved up and down over the part, the cutter would cut the blank. you would need a replaceable tip on the probe to accomodate different size and shape cutters and some way to make sure the probe and cutter were at reproducible Z's, but the time to copy would be cut in half.

[b1705@bellatlantic.net]

David, this sounds like the ultimate use for those people having two "Z"axis setups...You would probably use the same cutter in both the probe and the router for true replication. Anybody try this yet? Bill P.

[david allen]

you really wouldn't need 2 Z-axis. just the probe mounted to the same carriage as the cutter and rigid enough not to flex before actuating.

da

[birdsofplay]

Before you get too excited:
The probe works by "Zing" up then over a smidge then "Zing" down till it touches,
then it's programed to repeat the whole thing over again for the desired area.

i.e.
It's not exactly a pantograph-like operation.

I dont believe you'll be getting smooth cutting
because every cut will be a plunge cut. IMHO

Now maybe with a rollered microswitched "thingy"
we could program it to do what yer thinking about.
I just dunno though.
A bit more creativity will be required.

Certainly not impossible but not easily or simply done either.

[bruce_clark]

I am going to have to agree with Bob on this one.
I don't think that this would really be the best
solution. It _MIGHT_ be quicker for one offs, but
if you are mainly doing that, you would probably
be better off with a duplicating mill or
pantograph machine than a Shopbot.

With that said, I don't see why you couldn't use
ShopBot's probe program and add a file extra lines
to plunge the Z axis once the "depth" is found.

If you are not familar with the ShopBot language,
I could probably make the changes for you.

Bruce
bwclark@centurytel.net (mailto:bwclark@centurytel.net)

[densull@megsinet.net]

To clarify my January post: We can program two-axis CNC machines from parts or patterns with our systems, but haven't yet gone into the three-axis work. Our router (not a Shopbot--maybe later) doesn't yet have a probe digitizing program for 3d work, but the software guy is working on it.

Please check our web site for more info on our products and services!
http://skalarcnc.netfirms.com

Dennis Sullivan
Skalar Systems

Dennis Sullivan