@robgrz Since I usually only open topics to report a bug or complain about something, I thought it would be fitting to open one up just to thank you all for putting in some very nice features! They were exercised for me in as part of a client-project of multiple connecting boxes that join together using a plug and socket mechanism. Each box has slanted sides onto which I wanted to place a plug on the left side and a socket on the right, so I can couple them together to make a storage system as long as needed like (that’s the simplified description).
So new functions that I used:
Layers:
To create the plug and socket designs, I needed a mirror image of a shape. I created the shape on a layer called “Plug” and then copied and flipped the design vertically on a layer called “Socket”. Then I created two toolpaths, one for the plug and one for the socket. I tested this design on scrap and perfected the sizes of the two layers to make an easy-fitting plug and socket combination. I saved this as a stand-alone C2D file.
Import of a c2d file:
With the details of the plug and socket cam connection perfected and saved in a C2D, I then needed to “embed” the socket on one side of the box and the plug on the other side. I also needed to embed them onto the leg design for the unit. It was SO NICE to just import the c2d of the plug/socket layers. Since both the plug and socket layers imported, along with their respective toolpaths, everything I needed was now part of the side panel and leg designs.
Layers - Again:
Since the boxes have slanted sides, I wanted to create the plug and position it to the exact location opposite the socket. Welcome Layers again - same technique! To position the plug on the side, I created a layer called “Plug Side” and just hid the socket layer and laid it into the perfect location on the side. Then, to make the socket in precisely the right spot on the other side of the box, I copied the components to another layer (socket side), hid the plug layer, then flipped it vertically to create the socket side. Easy Peasy!
During all of this, I needed to move and hide and delete components - and the new “Fix to have select all respect visibility” kicked in!
This solution is part of a much larger project (traditional woodworking) for a client…Using the CNC to do the positioning and accuracy required to make perfectly mating parts, really streamlined the process of creating the pieces - and the new features made it easy. When they’re all done, I’ll post photos.
Thanks again @robgrz and the Carbide Crew!
- Gary