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Pocket problem - going around a corner

Discussion in 'SketchUcam Help' started by ehud42, Sep 14, 2013.

  1. ehud42

    ehud42 New Member

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    I've been loving the SketchUcam for a while now - built a home designed CNC with it! (http://www.flyinglow.ca/flyinglow/2013/01/installing-the-little-cnc-zaxi.html)

    Now, I'm trying to get more sophisticated and want to make pockets! I just finished installing the latest sketchUcam to try the pocket thing - but it appears partial circles are a problem for the algorithm.

    I'm attaching the sketchup file. Hope it helps. This bracket has 4 mounting screw holes, the opening is to allow a belt to feed in and around the shaft.

    I added the pocket to make the stepper sit better. You can a pre-pocket version here -http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyinglow/9736946101/

    Any ideas?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. ewo

    ewo Moderator Staff Member

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    That pocket using sketchucam pocket plugin needs to be made into 2 pockets like this.Then with some small editing in sketchup it can be fixed .
     

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  3. 3DMON

    3DMON Moderator Staff Member

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    You can draw a line down the center and it will work.
    The pocket tool basically can only do the offset one direction so you have to fool it to make it go the other way.
     

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  4. 3DMON

    3DMON Moderator Staff Member

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    Looks like you beat me to it ewo, lol.
     
  5. ehud42

    ehud42 New Member

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    Ok will give that a go.

    Thanks
     
  6. swarfer

    swarfer Moderator Staff Member

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    I believe there is mention of the method needed in the help....

    the pocket tool now has some keys you can press,
    SHIFT gives only the zigzag lines
    CTRL gives only the outline

    so, for a complicated shape, first press cTRL and draw the outline only. that will give a single continuous cut for the final pass.
    now, draw lines from side to side inside that outline to simplify the shapes.
    now press SHIFT and zigzag each of those areas
    now delete the extra lines.

    I'm hoping to improve the offset method int he next release so that at least the outline is reliable for complex shapes. and one day, the zigzags too (-:
     
    TigerPilot likes this.

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