Rather than relying on measurements and the accuracy of the squareness of the stock I’m cutting, it would be convenient if CM had the following feature added to it. I think this is a super-simple coding task and would be pretty useful for a number of functions:
The purpose is to jog the spindle to a position that is exactly between two points. it would work something like this:
Initiate LOCATE Middle
CM Prompts:
I would have access to all the jog features. When the spindle is on the first point, I’d click “Mark First Position”
CM Prompts:
When I press “Mark Second Position”, CM rapids to the exact middle between those two positions…and the process is over.
If I click “Cancel Operation”, it just ends the process.
I would use this to help set origins and to locate cuts between existing wood defects, features, etc. Without dealing with empirical measurements.
For simplicity, I would not try using probing. There is no “Z” involved for me. Just capture two “XY” coordinates and position the spindle at the mid point of those two. Direction and order is irrelevant.
I would use this to set Zeros…but that’s not the only purpose…so it’s not a Zeroing procedure…it’s purely a positioning (jogging) feature.
[EDIT] I’m also not trying to use this to locate exact zero (although if the piece were symmetrical, I could) - but if the piece is not symmetrical, I’m just trying to pick a plane and get the midpoint.
[EDIT] - Sorry to keep editing, but I keep thinking…it’s a problem.
I might want to make a cut in a precise location between two features of a piece of wood (think knots or cracks) - and have my cut be precisely balanced between them. Since these are not modeled in our design tools, I would have to rely on measurements…this would simplify that task.
Ah, OK. I do this frequently when placing an already cut part. For example I’m using a hole & want the center at zero. So I estimate the middle and lower the tool/pin. Touch the left side of the hole & set X to zero. Touch the right side of the hole & divide the X value by 2 & enter that value.
Then move to X0.0 & repeat the process front to back with Y. If I want it really close, I’ll repeat the X measurement.
So jog to the first point, set XY zero. Jog to the 2nd point & enter half the value on the readout.
Now XY zero is at the center of those 2 points.
I’m sure it can be done a lot of ways, actually. What I’m asking for is for Carbide to choose one and implement an easy to use, flawless, accurate, intuitive, and foolproof (for us fools) function that integrates with the rest of CM in a seamless way that doesn’t make me go to an MDI window or write down any coordinates or change my zeroes if I don’t want to. I just want it perfect and easy…is that so much to ask?
There are a bunch of QOL type enhancements that would get used for this kind of function, measuring, setup, etc… Measuring SW, NW, NE, SE corners; slots, holes, pockets
Several users have asked for an air cut above the extremities of the toolpath before cutting to make sure the stock is sufficient & the machine doesn’t hit limits. This can easily be done with a toolpath on a rectangle, or just looking at the preview info.
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