3d model z zero FTC

[Jjh45131]

I am trying to make the coin bank from the vectric in the lab projects.
1) I want to use thicker material
2) I want to z zero off of spoil board
When I do this I can not get the 3d dish to cut directly. If I change back to zero off of material the the tool paths run correctly but when I run the job on my stinger II with FTC enabled the job cuts incorrectly. I touch tool with plate on the material then the job does the FTC. I can't find any info if this is the correct procedure. Any tutorials that might address this. I am trying to understand how the touch top and FTC work together.

[Charlie_L]

When you zero off the spoil board you never use the touch top.

Only use the touch top when your design is off the material top.

The FTC can then do it’s functions for both design conditions.

[Jjh45131]

Thanks for the response. I have tried that but when I do the job setup in vcarve pro I can't figure out how to get the 3d model to recognize that it should start carving at the top of the material. the carving starts well below the top of the material. In all of the tutorials from vectric they all reference z off of the material. I can't find an explanation on how to adjust things z zero from machine bed. It's almost as if the software is not capable of that. Having the FTC on if I don't use the touch plate the bit plunges deep into the material. I am missing something or it's not possible and it's driving me crazy.

[Charlie_L]

On the toolpath tab of your design, top left open Material Setup by pushing Setup button.

Set zero to the machine bed, maybe you already did this?

Look at the Material Gap above model settings and make sure the model is at the top.

I think this is the right place to look in your file?

[Jim Becker]

At the top of the toolpath panel on the right side, click on "Material". About half-way down is a graphic depiction of where the model sits inside of the total thickness of the material. Adjust it to where you want it to be and then recalculate the toolpaths.

[Jjh45131]

Jim and Charlie, Thank you for the answers. You both provided the answer to my problem. I did as you suggested and it worked in the software. Now When I get the time I will try it in real wood. My firewood pile is getting big and I am optimistic that it won't grow any more. Jeff

[Jim Becker]

One of the wonderful things about CAD/CAM and CNC is that you can cut things virtually like forever until you feel comfortable to commit to the solid material and even then, you can always use inexpensive stuff first to prove something out. After a period of time, you'll do that less and less for common things and move right to the real deal, especially for the simpler stuff. In the beginning, it's all about building understanding and more importantly, good habits.

[drummerjg]

Originally Posted by Jjh45131

Jim and Charlie, Thank you for the answers. You both provided the answer to my problem. I did as you suggested and it worked in the software. Now When I get the time I will try it in real wood. My firewood pile is getting big and I am optimistic that it won't grow any more. Jeff

Not "firewood"...its Designer Firewood! And me thinks everyone on this forum has enough to heat their homes comfortable for several winters..I know I do