Running a probe file

[brian]

When running a probe file does the machining process follow the file exactly ignoring the bits set parameters or does it follow set stepdowns etc.
I just probed a guitar neck and want to duplicate it.I will be using eastern maple and I'm worried the file will try to take to much off in one pass.

Brian

[jim_stadtlander]

Brian,
I am very new to all of this, but most of what I have done is probing and then cutting from that file. It will cut the exact path the probe traced. Otherwise, to its full depth in one cut. It also needs to be the same size bit as the size of the probe. You can take several passes to the finish size by changing the proportion of the Z. This will let you do some stepdowns, just not as efficiently as normal. If you have Cut3D, take the probed file to that and make your cutting file.....Jim

[Brady Watson]

Brian,
Yes it will! So you have 2 choices: Cut it as is or import the probed file into Cut3D or PartWorks3D and create roughing and finishing toolpaths. If you don't have either program, and you have MillWIzard or something like that Zip it up @ max compression and email it. I'll send you a 3D format file that you can cut.

-B

[brian]

I have Artcam pro 8.1
I'm assuming I can import it to this program

Brian

[Brady Watson]

Use the Probe2Surface.exe program to convert your SBP into a DXF. You can access it in SB3 via the TB command. Then File->Import 3D Model in ArtCAM. Postion it where you want it & sculpt and clean up as needed.

-B