I’m ready for step 7 which is to: “On your computer open the Vcarve cut file for your machine in the “Toolpaths” tab you’ll see these toolpaths. Save each one individually with the appropriate post processor selected and run them in the order they appear. The first toolpath will be a shallow “tracing” toolpath with a v-bit.” I
Is that this?
I’ve just finished assembling the Foreman. I’ve yet to cut on it. I can’t do that until I have a wasteboard I’m thinking. Might one of you kind souls help me get started with the Foreman? I don’t know what I’m doing. Thank you all so much!
hey there @Omaha . this is pretty simple. the first thing you need to do is make sure you have the right machine setup in your Vectric software. that’s what they mean by post processor. when you save a tool path you will see what machine you have selected. generally this is the default machine you selected in the software. this is important since the tool path export file needs to be formatted for the type of controller you have etc.
Once this is confirmed and you see all of the tool paths, you can click the disk/bit icon in the tool paths side menu that pops out. I recommend following the intro Vectric videos on finding this if you are stuck here.
in the save sub menu, you will see an option to save all files individually. choose your folder destination, preferably something specific to this project, and you will see your individual tool paths there. each tool path has to be loaded one by one or you can load an entire folder using your controller software. Id start with just one if you have no experience just so you know which file is being run, what tool you need, etc.
Also, I noticed you said you’re using a v-bit for this job. This is generally not an appropriate bit for spoil boards. Surfacing bits are used for surfacing and all of your pockets are generally cut with a 1/4" up-cut bit.
one of your tool paths seems to indicate you need a dovetail bit as well, but the instructions should say as much.