Messages

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: April 06, 2007, 07:49:31 PM »

Sparky, what version of AutoCAD are you using? I'm planning on rewriting my AutoCAD g-code macro soon (2002 and newer), and was hoping to add the ability to add tabs. I'm pretty busy right now, but might start working on it in the near future.

I am using AutoCAD LT 2006 and LT 2005. I would be interested in the g-code macro!

Thanks for your help!

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: April 06, 2007, 07:47:49 PM »

Whoops, I completly lost track of this topic... sorry about that and thanks to all that replied!
I ended up purchasing VCarve Pro and it has the tabs feature so that solved my problem when I use that program.

Chip, when I get a chance I'll give that a  try!
Thanks for your help!

3

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: February 26, 2007, 07:46:53 AM »

Thanks Chip,

Yes, I could draw the part with the tabs in it but then wouldn't that create more chains? Say I want to cut out a circle and leave 3 tabs in place to keep the part from moving around on the final pass. Would I not then be going from one chain (cutting the entire circle) to creating 3 chains? I've seen several videos of parts being cut out were the bit raises up to pass over the uncut area (tab) and then drop back down to continue cutting.

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: February 25, 2007, 11:14:56 PM »

Thanks again Brett,

That's the same video that I was talking about, however it is not what I'm after or if it is, it's beyond me as I'm just not seeing it.
I understand that I can move a chain to a different layer to have a different cut depth but don't see how it will help me when I need to leave small taps in the cut path to keep the part in place. 

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: February 25, 2007, 10:16:55 PM »

Thanks Brett,

I've looked through most of it but will look again. In the LazyCAM videos it stats that you can only have one cut depth per chain and to move any items you want to cut to a different depth to another layer, but I don't believe that will help me in this case. Will keep looking.
 

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G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Leaving a tab on cut out parts

« on: February 25, 2007, 09:31:35 PM »

Hello,

I've been trying to figure out how to leave a few tabs on the parts I'm cutting out of HDPE so that they don't move around and get caught in the path of the bit on the final pass. I'm using AutoCAD to save as DXF, loading the DXF in LazyCAM and creating the G-Code and then loading the G-Code in Mach3.

I can't seem to find a solution to this anywhere. 

Any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!