Flashcut questions

Hi,

I downloaded an evaluation copy of Flashcut which I have been looking at
today and a couple of questions have come to mind which I'm sure someone
can answer.

I cannot see any way to make the programme take account of tool offsets
- i.e. the allowance for the diameter of the milling cutter. Is this not
one of its functions and, if not, how do users get around the problem
(if such it is - I've never yet quite managed to understand how the
programmes which do use tool offset corrections decide which side of a
line they should cut on ). Do you have to decide on the exact size of
cutter before drawing the component in CAD and draw the cutter path
rather than the component?

Secondly, The programme ignores any 'Z' component when it is importing
from a DXF file - is this just a limitation on the demo version or is
the programme only really intended for 2 1/2D engraving etc.? I
suspect not as you can enter 'Z' amounts manually to the G-code and it
will emulate cutting them.

I also, some time ago, had a look at a programme called 'Nester' which I
believe did the same thing, however, my copy timed out over a year ago
now so I can't remember much about it. Does anyone know anything about
this one, I haven't seen it mentioned on the list yet. If my vague
memory is working at all I believe it was also supposed to do layouts of
parts on sheet material for its most efficient use.

Best wishes

Ian

--

Ian W. Wright LBHI
Sheffield Branch Chairman of the British Horological Institute.
Bandmaster and Euphonium player of the Hathersage Brass Band. UK.
See our homepage at:- http://www.iw63.demon.co.uk/ or
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'Music is the filling of regular time intervals with harmonious
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