I don't do a lot of this, but from what I know, the following needs to be considered:? (interleaved)
On 12/26/2023 1:39 PM, jflesburg@... wrote:
Thanks all!
By placing the outline of the board on the milling layer, everything seems to be working well.
The dimension layer is used for limits of fills and the like.? The milling layer is straight cuts and curves.? That forms the (forced) outline of the board.? The dimension layer is responsible for keeping all the goodies (except holes and the like) inside a reasonable extent.
Should I add circles or holes to the milling layer to cut holes? All I get so far are center points.
If you are cutting holes with a mill, unless your milling program knows how to cut a hole with a milling bit, then the milling layer likely ought to cut just straight lines and the holes layer ought to be doing the job with drills only, not a mill.
If attempting to cut 2 layers, how are you "registering" a zero point?
You pick an index/zero point.? that goes into a fixture where you have a hole drilled to align the zero (or index point.? That is not sufficient.? You'll need another index hole on a diagonal. that allows you to flip the board and keep it aligned.? If the index holes are on the diagonal, then the program ought to be able to handle the flip.? If you flip it on an axis, then the mirroring is more complex.??? You need two though, and need to consider how it's mirrored
Should I start a new topic for this one?
Do folks use carbide V-engraving cutters or mills?? I'm currently using a V-Cutter and it has held up for the few cuttings that I have done, but wondering if there is a better solution for the final milling operation.
A V cutter will do nicely for board outlines if you want, mostly used for snap off designs (board outline will be larger than designed, considering the design of the cutter).
However, most people tend to use a roughing mill and leave board bridges (and small ones!) to hold the board together from the base stock.? You'll want to sand those nubs down to get a good board edge.
Depending on your setup, you could route the entire board edge, with the consideration of what happens when the router completes the board edge.? Likely it needs to be taped down (double sided tape) to the backing board.
Things to think about.
Harvey
