Changing crv files from mm to inches?

[myxpykalix]

I've downloaded some .crv files for Vcarve pro one being the "half sheet rocker" but the file is in milimeters and i'm not familiar enough to know how to change it to inches?
I guess what i am asking is, when you load a crv file up and it was created in milimeters all the subsequent measurements (bit geometry, ect) is also going to be in milimeters. Rather than trying to figure all that out manually is there a way to just change the demensions when you load the file up initially or do you have to load it up in some other program first, convert it somehow, then load it in Vcarve?

[paco]

Just re-save under the right format for you. 1 inch = 25.4 mm (2.45 inches).

You can whatever tool you want (standard or metric) in either system format (standard or metric).

[myxpykalix]

Hello Paco! I guess i just don't "get it".. I tried a couple different things here. 1)I load up file called "rocker half sheet.crv" then go to file/save as and it will only save as a .crv and I don't think that changes anything.
2) I load up file called "rocker half sheet.crv" then go to the toolpaths tab. Now whether i click "edit toolpath" or "save toolpath" I see where you can save it as a "shopbot arcs inch" file but I believe you need to change all those parameters like bit geometry, material size, before you save it and what i'm having difficulty understanding (or maybe conveying) is how you take a crv file created in mm, load it up, and how you change it so that it is using inches measurements instead of mm because all the settings within the program reflect a mm setting.
Thanks for your help!

[paco]

Open the original, edit/material size/units(change this), click OK, File/Save as(a new name).

Here a demo with a 1 inch circle or 25.4 mm. Both are the VERY same design, same size just different units.



circle_demo_metric_vs_std.zip (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/circle_demo_metric_vs_std-16590.zip) (1.7 k)

Again, it doesn't matter which tool you choose to work with with either file size format. This is just about what you have in your tool bits supply; it happen that people work with both metric and standard bits size... spindle owner at least and maybe PC too. Don't change your tool settings for the reason that you work with metric vs standard.

As for the toolpath post processor, choose the one you need/chose to work with with your machine. don't change from what you use normally.

[myxpykalix]

THAT LIGHTBULB JUST WENT ON OVER MY HEAD!!!! I went to edit/material size and clicked on "units" and ticked "inches" and now my measurements are in inches. This brings up another question. When i change it to inches does it take in account the material thickness in creating the slots for the other parts??

[paco]

I'm not sure what you're talking about since I dont' have this file but I can tell that everything about the design is converted to what you want.

Have you tried it yourself? If unsure; 1 inch = 25.4 mm

[myxpykalix]

I know sometimes i try to convey something and it doesn't come out right. Ok see the drawing and the item circled? My question is, when you convert it from mm to inches the demension of the thickness of the material changes which in turn would mean the slot sizes would have to change. If you look at the arrow marked 1, that slot has to be the same thickness of the material. And in number 2 that demension has to also correspond. I guess i'm trying to figure out, do those measurements change depending on the material size input? Regardless of whether you change the unit of measure (mm or inches) I hope i don't frustrate you with all these questions and i appreciate your help.

8587

[kaaboom_99]

Hello Jack
No, the matrial was probably sized for metric sized materials.
You would have open the file in vectric and "tweak" it to an imperial measurement.
(Ps, there is a file on the vectric forum that is sized in imperial using 3/4" material and a 1/4" cutter!)

[paco]

What I understand from your latest post should fit just as it fit before the change.

Caution; X & Y dimensions in the design will be converted correctly but what is related to material thickness should be fit with the material thickness.


8588

If you were to fit the thickness of the material into a machined slots, THEN I would look carefully at dimensions while not necessarily at the inch/mm conversion process.

In the design above, only the arm's slots might have to be check for a good fit since it depends on material thickness.

Tricky isn't it?! ;-) Even if there wouldn't be a conversion involved, you could get the wrong fit if you'd just assumed... hi, hi!
Don't forget about tool radius at slots corner, machine accuracy, tool bit deflection... so you want to make a chair?... 8-D
Hang on! Red pill?... or blue one?

Since VCP doesn't have a measuring tool (yet), check it out with PW tape tool. Hint, hint VETRIC! Hi, hi! 8-)

[myxpykalix]

oh my achin head!! Thanks I do understand much more now I appreciate your help and efforts.