Turned Deck Post

[rnels]

Here is a prototype deck post I just finished for a deck I'm planning to make this summer. It is without the top. It was made using one toolpath which cuts the different sections.


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I have written a .sbp file converter that I have been playing with but don't have enough time or money to test everything. It is written to convert .sbp files from Y to B for indexers set up in the X axis only and has been tested on a PRTAlpha. I do call ShopBot's zzero routine. If anyone wants to try it here is the link: (There is a help page which hopefully will explain the process).

http://www.nelsonsdesignssp.com/Nelsons%20Designs%20Download%20Page.htm

Please let me know when/if you find major bugs. Please check out the output file before you run anything! Air cutting might be good!!

Randy

[myxpykalix]

Randy
That is a NEAT looking deck post! Give me some details on how long it took to make? What program did you use to model your design?
I have an indexer and haven't had time to really experiment with it, but if my indexer is already set up in the X axis thru the controller is your program something i would need to use? Do you have any more info about its functionality? thanks

[rnels]

Thanks Jack!

I used the program I have the linked above to create the .sbp file used to make the post. It takes the .sbp files and converts the Y axis inch values to B axis degree values. It does not convert C* commands (CR, CC etc.). You need to create your toolpath using the Shopbot(inch)(*.sbp) postprocessor or raster for 3D. I have ArtCam Pro which I used to create the models but most are simple - the only detail on the post which needed ArtCam Pro was the reeding.

It works in sections (square, round or profile) by inputing .sbp files. You could specify for example the notch on the post for the first section. Then the rail holes on both sides of the post on the second section. followed by the profile on the third, etc. You can take up to 4 .sbp files (same or different) and put them around the blank on a square section. The program will ask if you want to change the tool after every file and will move to a location you specify on your table to allow this, return to the blank and call the zzero routine. I have the overlay part of the program turned off for the trial. I used this to create the reeds on the profile (used Artcam Pro and the create feature option for this to follow the contour of the profile). It was also used to run a second toolpath around all four sides on the top rail hole for a cleanup pass. Have made a couple of tests using it for z level roughing pass and finish pass for 3D work on the square and around the blank. The tapers are part of my program and can be turned on when you are in a profile or round section.

You still have to create your model and toolpath it to get your .sbp files. This is kind of explained in the help screen on the program. Might be too hokie for some experienced Shopbotters but it seems to work for my purposes.

It is not the fastest thing in the world. It took about 3 hours to create the entire post on my first attempt but could probably be tweaked to make it faster. I did need to do some sanding to get tool marks out (might be my rookie use of toolpathing).

The program has some quirks that still need to be worked on but hopefully minor issues.

Randy

[rnels]

Sorry to say I have found problems with some of the last changes I made to the program which affected other things I was not aware of. I have taken the program off my web site. Back to the drawing board. If you are using it please carefully check depths and locations in the file going to the indexer.

[jhicks]

Randy, looks great. One of these days i'll be on to the indexer project and won't forget your work.
Thanks for posting.

[rnels]

Thanks Jerry! It was a lot of work. Probably taken on because of lack of understanding the ShopBot indexer tool (now have a better appreciation for what they created and what issues they faced - their tool is better at certain features than mine). Have learned a lot about the indexer and ArtCAM models in the process and realize how much more I have to learn. Still working on ways to avoid chip out in various situations. If you are looking to create something accurate down to .001 it is definately not my program. When you throw in variables like the many definitions of pi, the ability to glue up a totally straight blank with the proper dimensions, Zzeroing factors, getting the blank mounted on the indexer at exact center, etc. it makes it really challenging.

I have put a new version out on my website at the link above. Hope this fixes most of the problems.

Randy