Gwyn Tutorial

[maliga00]

First, thanks !!!, The tutorial is very usefull. Reading this, I have a doubt about which toolpaths operation did you used to engraving texts?, if you could tell us, it will be a great advice for novices CNC adicts!!!
Cheers
Alberto

[fsaviator]

Gwyn,

I'd like to thank you too. That tutorial was exactly what I was looking for. I'm counting the days until I get home and start destroying things while I learn how to use my CNC

Warren

[Westozy]

Thanks guys!
Choosing the order of toolpaths does require some thought, for instance - you can't cut the outside of a panel before you have drilled all the holes in it. Think "inside out"! Do everything that needs to be done in the centre of the panel and work outwards! My toolpath list usually says "Drill holes" - "cut out squares" then "cut out panel". You also have to think about what is going to happen to the work piece after certain cuts, will it become loose on the table? Sometimes I have had to pause the program to add additional clamping, it's a learning process for me too but I am a qualified machinist with milling experience.
With these backlighting panels the "engrave lines" and "engrave text" toolpaths are last on the list and require tool changes. After the panel is cut out and painted, it has to be remounted in the exact same position as it was when it was cut out. I sometimes scratch lines with a trimmer blade to mark the position it was sitting in before I remove it. another good idea is to drill the holes in the panel deeper so it drills into the waste piece that you mount it on, these can then be used for reference or for the use of dowels to remount in the same place. Engrave shallow - about 0.2mm if you are not going to fill the text with paint, engrave to a depth of .35mm to .4mm if you are going to add paint.

Cheers Gwyn

[maliga00]

Thanks a lot Gwyn!!. I will apply this tips in my futures developments. I hope soon my machine will be operable and show to the comunity photos.
Cheers
Alberto