Re: another approach to toolbit radius compensation

The more traditional way is to us a tool path layer:
Use a circle the size of the tool.
Snap the tool edge to the parts edge, at the end of each tool path.
Use dimensioning to get the G code values, or on another layer, snap
a tool path vector down the center of each of the tool symbols (which
can be exported).

This approach documents the CNC process, including tool changes and
direction of milling.

Buck

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Mark Fraser <mfraser@h...> wrote:
> Using Visio (whose DXFs are VERY readable by Yeager's ACE
Converter),
> use the "pencil" tool to draw the edges of the item to be machined.
> Then, select the entity, change the line width to that of the tool
to
> be used (i.e., .125 for a 1/8 in. endmill). Then, using the same
pencil
> drawing tool, (and a different color - say, red) draw a new path
along
> the
> outside edge of the wide line, where you want the centerline of the
> toolbit
> to go. next, delete the fat line, and you're left with something
that
> can be exported as dxf, converted by ACE, and which will give you
the
> shape you want.
>
> I had bought 2 copies of Visio 5.0 Technical version (needs
"standard")
> upgrade; contact me if interested. /mark