So as a newby, just wondering if you’d like to review file and give me tips on how to improve my designs, workflow, speeds. Really just any constructive criticism I can learn from when designing in CC. Plus, you get a file to play with, so whats not to like!
Right now I am totally just copying and trying to create what I find online and see how far i can push it. This file is a sticky note holder as a teachers gift for Grade 1 FE teacher. I think pocketing is long (26 min) but new to the machine and using conservative cutting speeds/feeds.
Bonus points! Trying to figure out how to chamfer the edges, no clue. Is it just a contour and then toolpath setting offset direction at outside/no offset?
Much appreciate the reply and details. I work from offcuts and measure them and insert settings just before cutting but figure 1"/0.75" is my magic number on the Shapeoko. Star in design will change to whatever is requested by clients (teacher gifts, etc…).
Added the edits, just wondering what you mean with last “Or, you could create concise geometry.” remark. Where is it off? Created offsets in AI creating strokes and outlining. That’s why there is additional offset lines in the design.
Lastly, I have CC Pro downloaded. Where do I get the simulation you show in last screen?
By concise geometry, Will meant you are cutting the outer boundary using a “No Offset” condition, meaning the actual part will be 1/8" smaller than that vector. He suggested adding in the actual outside of the part…
Now if you cut a chamfer using the new vector, No offset & the max depth set to the size of your chamfer, the tool will follow that edge at that depth
Ideally, I think you would want to cut with the chamfer tool higher up the flute. The tip of a Vee tool has a cutting surface speed of 0.
Of course, this will require some math. Or drawing it up in a side/section view like I did & measuring.
Looking at that image, I want a 3mm deep cut, and about 1.5mm offset from the finished edge.
So I create this shape, offset from the edge 1.5mm
The job can be simplified into a chamfer, three pockets, a decorative toolpath and the final outer contour — it’s just a matter of drawing only the geometries one wants and duplicating some of them — but this added complexity may then require a roughing clearance and finishing pass…:
with suitable adjustments to the balance of the geometry and toolpath assignments — this is left as an exercise for the reader — if you get stuck or have any difficulties, upload your file and let us know.
Awesome tutorial - thanks! Going to do it step by step later. First drafts worked, but like (need) practice of workflows as described by the two of you above. Much appreciated. Learned a lot.
Thank you @Tod1d - yes still figuring out the no offset, inside and outside. Use to working just on paper or drafting and outsourcing. This is great. Much appreciated!
