I’ve experimented with different CNC design software but keep coming back to CC-free because the tools and workflow seem the most logical. (Vectors are more powerful, but tend to be a lot more tedious.)
Recently, I decided to take the leap to CC-Pro, so my apologies if my comments seem naive. I like the add and subtract model but have found one anomaly that leaves me with several questions. I think my questions are best illustrated by a simple example of modeling a 4-sided pyramid with concave sides extruded directly from the base of the material.
Attempt 1: Subtract a square with a round surface, then add the same square with an angled surface. This doesn’t work, even with a positive base height on the subtraction. Apparently, a subtraction isn’t going to be useful as the first step in any model?
Attempt 2: Initially, add a square with flat surface of sufficient height, then proceed as with Attempt 1. This works but the height cannot be altered later following committing a component by clicking “Done”. This also means that the base of the pyramid is above the bottom of the stock. which was not my goal.
Attempt 3: This time I tried to modify Attempt 2 by using a height of zero on the initial flat-surfaced square. However, this is not allowed by the interface.
Attempt 4: SUCCESS! Add a flat-surfaced square of height z > 0.001, then subtract the same flat-surfaced square with the identical height z, then subtract a round-surfaced square, and add an angled square.
Questions:
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Why does Attempt 4 work, but not Attempt 1, since they are conceptually equivalent?
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Why can’t a component height be zero?
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As I understand them the base height and height seem to be additive (for an added component), a base height can be zero, and a base height can be modified after a component is committed. Are there other differences?
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Why not treat carving below the bottom of the material consistent with carving above the top of the material? At least “Show 3D” doesn’t show any subtraction that goes below the bottom, but it would be helpful to visualize this. Does this restriction mean that given proper zeroing models cannot carve below the bottom of the material?