pattern help

[DickB]

I usually use a pierced carve region for a cutout in thicker boards. Outline the pattern(s) and use the "Path Offset" tool to get a path about .25" larger than the pattern and make it a "Pierced" carve region. Then place tabs using the manual tab tool. The example is on a 1.5" thick board using the 1/8" long carving bit.

It's not necessary to add the pattern outline and offset. Just click Pierced. It may not look like it is pierced, but flip the virtual board and you will see. You do need to add manual tabs. It's also a good idea to add feathering, as this will make it easier on the bit - especially important on long bits. I believe the default is 1/4" feathering.

I've done this on several projects.

[SteveNelson46]

It's not necessary to add the pattern outline and offset. Just click Pierced. It may not look like it is pierced, but flip the virtual board and you will see. You do need to add manual tabs. It's also a good idea to add feathering, as this will make it easier on the bit - especially important on long bits. I believe the default is 1/4" feathering.

I've done this on several projects.

You can do it that way but, as you can see in the pic, for some reason some of the areas where the diameter of the bit has difficulty reaching doesn't get carved very well.

[DickB]

I guess I would have to do it to find out, but I'm wondering if that isn't just a rendering issue. I've never noticed a problem with any of my actual carvings.

[bergerud]

There is another trick. You can use conforming vectors to get a cutting bit down deeper than 1".

[SteveNelson46]

I guess I would have to do it to find out, but I'm wondering if that isn't just a rendering issue. I've never noticed a problem with any of my actual carvings.

It could be a rendering issue. I just did it the way it was done in some of the documentation videos. There are usually more ways than one to accomplish the same thing.

[SteveNelson46]

There is another trick. You can use conforming vectors to get a cutting bit down deeper than 1".

That's interesting. How did you do it?

[SteveNelson46]

I just tried it. Works pretty slick. I guess you would need to use a bit that is capable of cutting to the depth assigned and set the max depth of cut to a depth that won't break the bit.

[aokweld101]

well I thank you gentlemen, I don't know how this is going to work but it is farther than I have gotten the cut out I can at least see the cut out going all the way though the piece. Someone see's anything wrong please tell me... I went back over my pattern I put to many tabs in it I'll delete the four tabs....

[fwharris]

well I thank you gentlemen, I don't know how this is going to work but it is farther than I have gotten the cut out I can at least see the cut out going all the way though the piece. Someone see's anything wrong please tell me... I went back over my pattern I put to many tabs in it I'll delete the four tabs....

Your path over rides the manual tabs and they will be cut through so the piece will not be held in place.

[aokweld101]

so how do I keep the tabs ?