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Pocket Face Tool produces G-Code counter clockwise (ccw)

Discussion in 'SketchUcam Bugs' started by xyz123, Jan 24, 2014.

  1. xyz123

    xyz123 New Member

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    SketchUcam Version 1.1b
    SketchUp Version 7.1.6860

    Is there any way to use the Pocket Face Tool to generate G-Code clockwise instead of counter clockwise?
    - Overhead Gantry
    - Reversing Faces

    does not fix the problem.

    Today I pointed out the same problem on the Plung Tool. Holes are milled counter clockwise which ends up in bad milling quality and of course wrong diameter.

    Any suggestions?
     
    xyz123, Jan 24, 2014
    #1
  2. swarfer

    swarfer Moderator Staff Member

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    This is the correct direction for a 'climb milling' finishing cut. If it is coming out rough:
    sharpen tool
    stiffen machine
    slow down feed rate
    (-
     
    swarfer, Jan 25, 2014
    #2
  3. swarfer

    swarfer Moderator Staff Member

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    You can change the direction of plunge bored holes by editing one of the program files.
    Line 52 of PhlatMill.rb reads
    Code:
          @cw =  false          #swarfer: spiral cut direction
    change it to read
    Code:
          @cw =  true          #swarfer: spiral cut direction
    and any new gcode generated will use cw arcs for plunge holes.

    The file is in (sketchup system folder)/Plugins/Phlatboyz/ where the 'sketchup 7 system folder' is usually in c:\program files\google\google sketchup 7\ but your system may vary.

    NOTE
    PhlatMill.rb is a program file and as such is sensitive to grammar, spelling and case.
    If you don't do it exactly right, SketchUcam will fail to load entirely.

    I have bored a number of holes using the plunge tool, from 8mm with a 3.2mm bit in foam to 25mm with a 6mm bit in 19mm plywood and the finish has always been very smooth.
     
    swarfer, Jan 25, 2014
    #3
  4. xyz123

    xyz123 New Member

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    @swarfer
    thanks for your hints! I read about the theoretical stuff about milling directions.
    After reading I agree with you.
    Means the direction for Pocket Face and Plunge Tool are correct implemented.

    Anyhow, I had trouble with the correct hole sizes (pocket and arcs) after milling. A pocket milled ccw was smaller 0.02mm than expected. So in comparison I got better results if I used the cw direction. The overall quality was better. After your answer I guess it has something to do with my machine stiffness.
    So for me in my case it is very good to know how to change the spiral cut direction. Thanks alot.
    I figured out in the PhPocketTool.rb the possibility to change the direction of the pocket by changing
    cface = model.entities.add_face(contour_points.reverse!)
    to
    cface = model.entities.add_face(contour_points)
    Or is there any other "smart" way to do?
     
    xyz123, Jan 25, 2014
    #4
  5. swarfer

    swarfer Moderator Staff Member

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    No, there is no other way, well done for finding that.
     
    swarfer, Jan 26, 2014
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