More DXF layer issues

Nick M Singer · Post by **Nick M Singer** » Thu, May 18 2006, 4:57AM

It is claimed in the manual that you can name layers sequentially viz. centerline1, centerline2, centerline3 etc. I tried this in an attempt to create a toolpath that cuts progressivly deeper ie the geometries follow the same path but are named in sequence with a different z factor. Rolling nest only creates code for one layer

Bill Rutherford · Post by **Bill Rutherford** » Thu, May 18 2006, 5:28AM

Nick,
The geometry needs to be slightly offset for this to work. Try Offsetting each layers geometry .001 from the other layers. We ran into this using chain comp out to cut half way through the material and outline to finish the cut. In our case we made the chain comp out layer .001 bigger then the outline layer and it read both layers.

Let me know if this works for you

Nick M Singer · Post by **Nick M Singer** » Thu, May 18 2006, 10:18AM

Aha you have inspired me Bill a little lateral thinking is needed. I want to cut basin cut outs into solid mahogany tops, so I am going to define the cut out at half the depth using chaincompin and the full depth using chaincompout, geometry offset by exactly the diameter of the tool. I fail to see why one should offset the geometry as you explained, perhaps Thermwood should have a look at it!

Bill Rutherford · Post by **Bill Rutherford** » Thu, May 18 2006, 12:40PM

Nick,
What you are suggesting should work just fine. I never bothered, preferring the ease of not having to offset the outline line. For these parts we are cutting 1 1/4 particle board so the extra tiny bit of material did not matter.

Post by **Jason Susnjara** » Fri, May 19 2006, 9:25AM

Hi Guys,

This is on the list to get fixed.

thanks,

Nick M Singer · Post by **Nick M Singer** » Mon, May 22 2006, 12:12AM

Jason howabout an addition to the layer that allows you to set a number of additional passes with progressively deeper cuts such as \"outline z10p0, z20p0,z25p0\" the last z dimension setting the thickness of the material.

Nick M Singer · Post by **Nick M Singer** » Mon, May 22 2006, 12:18AM

Jason howabout an addition to the layer that allows you to set a number of additional passes with progressively deeper cuts such as \"outline z10p0, z20p0,z25p0\" the last z dimension setting the thickness of the material.

David Hall · Post by **David Hall** » Sat, May 27 2006, 10:38AM

I like Nick's idea... take it a step further and make it available for all layers. I frequently use the techniques that Bill descibed not only for thick material, but also for small parts or parts that don't have much left to them after the all the pockets are cut.

Regards,
Dave