Yeah, I just went around via Google and see it produces the G-code for what ever machine you have.
So that would be via its post-processor to produce the G-code file to whatever m/c you have, as per the typical CAM pgm.
Max..

 

Sp the big question. What procedure do I need to do to compensate for tool size?

And the bigger question how do I accurately measure the size of an unknown tool? Those engraving bits are really tough because they are so small and they have a bevel. How do you measure that angle?

 

There are many 'gizmos' out there in all price ranges for measuring tool dimensions. Tool length/dia offsets.
https://www.cnccookbook.com/touch-off-tool-setter-measuring-tools-for-length/
Max.

 

There are many 'gizmos' out there in all price ranges for measuring tool dimensions. Tool length/dia offsets.
https://www.cnccookbook.com/touch-off-tool-setter-measuring-tools-for-length/
Max.[/QUOTe

The better spindles can give better results on the cheap milling engraver machines.
This video shows one of the challenges common on the spindle design.

 

I set the step amount very small. It is almost like sanding instead of milling. I will have to do some measring. Maybe mill a pocket then measure it?
.

Only taking a small amount like that is harder on the cutter than taking a full cut. Especially on something like MDF, it wears out the edge and heats up the cutter.

Making a pocket and measuring will only work for that cutter in that size pocket in the same material. If you take the cutter out and put it back in later it won't cut the same unless your using a real CNC, one that is made with heavy castings. An engraver is just too flexible to be very repeatable.

The off set is lying to the machine, basically. Say your using a 0.250 cutter, you tell the machine you have a 0.260 cutter. Then when that cut is done you measure the size it made, and then we'll say it is actually 0.005 under size(or oversize if cutting an outside diameter) and change the tool setting by 0.0025. to end up removing the extra 0.005 (0.0025 per side) to make the part fit what you need.

 

Only taking a small amount like that is harder on the cutter than taking a full cut. Especially on something like MDF, it wears out the edge and heats up the cutter.

Making a pocket and measuring will only work for that cutter in that size pocket in the same material. If you take the cutter out and put it back in later it won't cut the same unless your using a real CNC, one that is made with heavy castings. An engraver is just too flexible to be very repeatable.

The off set is lying to the machine, basically. Say your using a 0.250 cutter, you tell the machine you have a 0.260 cutter. Then when that cut is done you measure the size it made, and then we'll say it is actually 0.005 under size(or oversize if cutting an outside diameter) and change the tool setting by 0.0025. to end up removing the extra 0.005 (0.0025 per side) to make the part fit what you need.

Maybe thet is why I had problems with melting plexi? Being too timid on the cuts? So to cut through a .084" piece of plexi, what would you recommend for step amount and feed rate? Bear in mind it is a cheap engraving machine.

 

Quote sparky 1, "The better spindles can give better results on the cheap milling engraver machines.
This video shows one of the challenges common on the spindle design."

That only works if the machine itself is sturdy enough to use the extra spindle rigidity and speed. Adding a good spindle to a machine made like a wet noodle isn't going to help much. The rigidity of the axis has to be able to use the spindle improvement.

 

Maybe thet is why I had problems with melting plexi? Being too timid on the cuts? So to cut through a .084" piece of plexi, what would you recommend for step amount and feed rate? Bear in mind it is a cheap engraving machine.

No the plexi is the problem there. Acrylic is a bear to cut, it melts no matter what. But Lexan is a little more forgiving and isn't that much harder to cut or more expensive to buy.

 

Just checked. It is Acrylic that I have now. Not sure what I had before but it came from Lowes. It is much thinner. Used in picture frames.

 

Not sure what I had before but it came from Lowes

Don't go into Lowes much, but the Homedepot near me carries both Plexi and Lexan. They do have a bigger Lexan selection though because it's against the law now to use Plexi for window glass.

 

The only thing I can find is that really thin stuff. Unless you need to by a huge sheet then there might be other options .. I did not look because it was way more than I can uses.

 

Did you check for a Plastic supply house locally? Fortunately I have one near me that also have a selection of offcuts, Also where I obtain the afore mentioned Paxolin, also listed under different names, it is a delight to machine.
Max.

 

Did you check for a Plastic supply house locally? Fortunately I have one near me that also have a selection of offcuts,

I'm lucky that way too, a place called Baker Plastics.
@spinnaker look on Thomas Registry web site to see if there is something close. https://www.thomasnet.com/
Can't believe Pittsburgh doesn't have at least one place.

 

I'm lucky that way too, a place called Baker Plastics.
@spinnaker look on Thomas Registry web site to see if there is something close. https://www.thomasnet.com/
Can't believe Pittsburgh doesn't have at least one place.

What would it be called? I have a sheet metal store just a few miles away.

https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/pittsburgh/

We also have at least one place that sells specialty lumber and woodworking tools.

But not aware of a similar place that sells plastics. What would I search for? How would I know if they sell small pieces to the consumer.

 

Do a search for plastic suppliers Pittsburg.
This brought up one of a few.
https://www.curbellplastics.com/Discover-Curbell/Locations-Nationwide/Pittsburgh
Just email or phone and ask if they sell offcuts.
Max.

 

Do a search for plastic suppliers Pittsburg.
This brought up one of a few.
https://www.curbellplastics.com/Discover-Curbell/Locations-Nationwide/Pittsburgh
Just email or phone and ask if they sell offcuts.
Max.

I don't want to travel to California so I better search on Pittsburgh.


That place is right on my way to the lake. Maybe 20 minutes drive from here but I bet they aren't open on weekends.