Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: BobCAD/CAM v.s. Dolphin CAD/CAM

John,
I played a bit with with Vector this evening. Well, It seems to pocket stuff
just fine. The Clean Circle command only pops up to ask for distance between
arcs. My Mistake.. Freds EDM statement applys. You can select an additional
function to that clean circle path and apply depths. Again, if you do this,
Offset first unless you want your hole enlarged.

The pocketing functions are about all I have used so far, so the following
was unknown until tonight.

So now, when it comes to creating a toolpath with multi depths in Z, around
the >outside< of an object, I could not find a way to do it without first
drawing an Offset 1/2 the diameter of the tool I planned on using. Then you
select a contour Z function which lets you dictate depth and passes. When you
create the depths and passes, Vector does not act like the top line is part
of the toolpath ! So if you put aproaches in the contours below, the top one
does not have it ! Nor is the top path connected to the lower toolpaths.
Sure, you CAN connect it. With yet another command.

Seeing how the >pocket routines< allow you to leave your part drawing alone,
and automatically creates the offset for tool diameter, adds lead-ins and
outs, connects everything at a rapid plane, and allows for multiple depth
passes, I see no reason why Vector would NOT make a similar function for
Machining outside of a part contour. I guess I wonder why it would not be
there already. It seems so obvious.

oooh,oooh, great idea for Vector.... They should add plunge and feedrate
input dialogs into the corresponding windows when you are creating toolpaths.
That would be nice Eh?? I hope that is where Fred is thinking of putting in
the "options" for CAM based ramping..... Feedrate slowdowns when approaching
corners. This is a good idea as long as there will be options for the user.

I also played with Dolphin as well this evening. I see its technique of
creating the toolpath and saving it in a "operations manager" concept is very
similar to Surfcam. I always liked that. That is an excellent way of
understanding what toolpaths have been created, lets you display or hide them
at will and also lets you arrange machining operations at any time. I don't
see any reason why Vector could not do that either. The question is will they
? They use a similar technique with the Cam object that "plops" itself over
the top of your drawing and then you have to move it to see what you are
doing.

Dolphin does not look as easy as Vector on the first visit thats for sure. It
looks like everything is there though. One little note about the use of Tool
Libraries..... I actually am not a big fan. I would rather just get the
option to type in my Chosen tool diameter as I am sitting there with the
micrometer AND the tool. The softwares that make you "edit" a tool everytime
gets me cranky. I do not keep a major assortment of brand new tools, just a
mishmash of whatever is laying around.

I hope Vector KEEPS this simple method..... I know, here come the cutter-comp
advocates. IMO Cuttercomp works much better in the organized plant with
"Vending machine" tooling. Its easier for me to measure the tool right then
and there.

I always have done this: I make some really nice Cherry blocks of wood, and
put some nice rubber feet under them. Then I drill holes in the top and line
those holes with short lengths of thinwall brass 1/8" thru 1/2" tubing. As I
start a larger multitool project, I start lining up the exact tools I am
going to use for the project. No toolchangers found here. Those bits always
lined up with the Operations found in the operations manager in Surf. Did I
mention that "operations manager" concept would be a good thing in Vector ??

So, I am a bit bummed about this "offset craparoo". I am getting flashbacks
of "B"v16 !

I just noticed too, that this "offset" command in the "CAM" toolbox even says
as a mouseover "tip", "draw offset GEOMETRY". That does not sound like the
right button for a CAM toolbox ! "draw offset toolpath" sounds better, but it
will only BE better when you can select your entire contour, Identify which
side you want to create a toolpath on and then have the software give you the
typical Contour Options.

It's certainly not that you can't get there.... It just takes more steps than
necessary.

I hope they fix these things. I'll start saving another $50 for those
Meanies.......

"Crabby" Chris L