I would like to use my X-Carve to draw shapes (for later hand cutting) onto a flat sheet. I use Fusion360 and have sketched all the shapes I want onto an 2mm extruded surface. I now want to create tool paths to draw the shapes using a pen attached to the X-Carve spindle.
I don’t want any depth of cut so I’ve not cut the shapes into the surface in F360 - I just want to draw the shapes of the sketches which I will then cut out by hand later.
Is there a way to do this?
Yes search sharpie holder.
I’ve got the pen mounted on the X-Carve so I just need someway of creating a toolpath.
Yes, use a pen holder with some spring action so it will conform to slight height variations (if any)
In F360 play with tool offset values to get it trace the path vs just up against it.
Use Easel to create you tool path, save it from Fusion and import it into Easel
This will work great. Here is another example: Stop Hand Drawing Your Yard Signs! Let Your CNC do the Work! - YouTube
Fusion 360 can generate the toolpaths. Use a trace.
Sorry you had us confused.
Tool path creation for pen use is only different with respect to depth (very little).
How did you create tool paths for carving with the X Carve?
As suggested above, I used Fusion360 and Trace which has worked out really well. I did my first drawing today - the only problem I had was that I tested on cartridge paper with a fine point marker pen and the paper soaked the ink up too quickly and caused blobs when it stopped. This won’t be a problem when I draw directly on aluminium and if I want to print on paper I’ll use a different type of pen. I also ran the x-carve too fast so some of the circles aren’t as good as they could be.
This is my initial version of the centre section of an aircraft instrument panel.
Glad that worked for you.
Out of curiosity, why not let the machine cut the aluminum panel?
I’d love to let the X-Carve cut the final product but I really struggle cutting aluminium. I’ve tried many times and very occasionally I get close to success but it always ends in disaster.