Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Tabs and Cutting Circles or....?

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Russell CNC Works, Dec 29, 2024.

  1. Russell CNC Works

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    3
    I asked the forum recently and I wanted to post this again. I have been really enjoying my Open Builds CNC router, but the thing that perplexes me and (vexes me too) is how a piece will cut loose and then be free radical as the cut finished the rest of that circle. Can anyone offer some steps to avoid this. I worry that it's going to really ruin my machine. Any help out there?
     
  2. Christian James

    Christian James Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2018
    Messages:
    466
    Likes Received:
    219
    are you referring to the normal chips that are made during the machining process or something entirely different?
     
  3. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,497
    Likes Received:
    4,421
    We love using the bluetape method, no tabs needed and pieces stay perfectly secure: docs:tips:ca-glue [OpenBuilds Documentation]
    Otherwise, Tabs - note OpenBuilds CAM can't place tabs on curves, but more advanced CAMs (Vectric, Fusion, etc) can: docs:software:overview [OpenBuilds Documentation]
     
  4. Russell CNC Works

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    3
    Peter and Christian,

    Thank you for getting back to me. I am building a holder/stand for a propane bottle that connects to a Mr. Buddy heater. Stand that came with it was a poor footing. The whole thing was top heavy, which you never want in a propane heater. Some how we lost the footing and it became a great moment to build better. I ended up using plywood and foam to build it out by levels. Two of the pieces required a cnc and that's where the desire for tabs came in. I also used my xtool laser engraver to cut the thinner plywood and the foam levels in the design. It looks silly, but I'm excited to be warm in the mountains in my truck camper.

    I am really curious why Open Builds hasn't figured this out for Open Builds Cam? We see a lot of open source software's evolving in features (Inkscape comes to mind). This feature would keep a guy like me happy to stay with Open Builds Cam for years to come. This question comes from a place of curiousity and gratitude, not critique.

    Thank you for your time.

    Dave
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    15,497
    Likes Received:
    4,421
    It has Tabs, just "not on curves" as mentioned. Seeing your part now (wasnt included earlier) plenty of straight sections on the arms so will be fine, its not all curves.

    Give me the DXF/SVG and I'll show you - I made a conceptually similar shape - and it places it fine on the straight sections as expected

    upload_2024-12-30_15-21-5.png

    With

    upload_2024-12-30_15-21-23.png

    upload_2024-12-30_15-23-11.png

    Just got to strategize :)


    We really want the opposite. OpenBuilds CAM as a free, basic CAM to get someone started with the learning curve but we actually hope they get pushed to grow as a person, learn new skills, explore more advanced options like Fusion 360 or Vectric - so in a way we need to make it more terrible :) - for your own personal growth :)
     
    #5 Peter Van Der Walt, Dec 30, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2024
    David the swarfer likes this.
  6. Russell CNC Works

    Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2023
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    3
    Peter,
    Wow, thank you for your thoughtful response and taking the time to draw out my design for the sake of our conversation. Man, I wish I would've thought to put a few tabs on those straight portions of the outside piece. As a teacher, I side with your reasoning on pushing us out of the next into products like Fusion. I have been Fusion curious and I actually have the educator license. I need to dig harder into Fusion. There's no excuse either, I have a friend who's been willing to teach it to me.

    Thank you.

    Dave
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice