Waterline and 'inside perimeter' ?

[buserror]

This is my very first try at Cambam. As a first project, I designed a spindle clamp that I already printed, and want to cut in now as two pieces of aluminium sheet screwed together.

Anyway, it looks pretty simple so far, however when I try to apply the '3d waterline' to the object, it wants to actually machine/pocket out the whole of the inside of the clamp itself, while what I'd rather like is to be able to cut an 'inside perimeter' to discard that big piece. and THEN waterline the remaining...

Anyone could point me on how to machine that part?

here's the pic:

And the STL: https://github.com/buserror/buserror-reprap/blob/master/stl/buserror-spindle-cnc-mount-cnc-lazor.stl

[lloydsp]

Except for the bolt/pin grooves, that piece would be better done with 2D shapes, and "profiles", rather than 3D waterline.

Lloyd

[buserror]

So the question is, is there a way of doing it, or isn't there a way to machine this specific STL file? I'm on evaluation session #1 here, so if my #1 'simple' STL' doesn't work, this is going to save me a heck of a lot of time :-)

[dh42]

Hello,

I've done a video tutorial for a 2D/3D part (5 video), but if I can write English, I can't talk it ... maybe if you understand a little French you can take a look on them ?

The problem is almost the same as your part ; all need to be done with 2D Machining OPeration and the cylindrical groove is made with 3D MOP (in this case, scanline 3D is better that Waterline)

http://www.usinages.com/cambam/probleme-code-avec-cambam-t66148.html#p726572

++
David

[Bubba]

So the question is, is there a way of doing it, or isn't there a way to machine this specific STL file? I'm on evaluation session #1 here, so if my #1 'simple' STL' doesn't work, this is going to save me a heck of a lot of time :-)

The video by David certainly should let you going, but there many who are willing to help if you still have problem with understanding the process.
If you have the dxf already then there a few easy steps, if you working with solid only, then, there are few more steps. In the past, I have posted along with other members how to go about machining solid as 2.5 operations. You may need to 'dig' deeper in to this forum past posts.. Or post the CB file, so either I or somebody will help you with it if time allows..

[Bob La Londe]

Warerline rough removes all the material.  Waterline finish just cuts the non horizontal surfaces.  

I have to agree with Lloyd.  I would do it from a 2D drawing.

[EddyCurrent]

Make a copy of the item, create a new layer, then paste it on the new layer.
Hide the default layer and work on the copy.
Select the item then go to Edit --> Surface --> Edge Detect
You will now see a lot of polylines in the tree view on the left and a surface at the top, if you delete the surface it will leave just lines and from those you can make a 2D outline for use with a profile mop, that's if you don't already have a 2D outline.
 

[Dragonfly]

If you want precision do it in 2.5D.
If you want to learn how to use 3D milling use 3D. But don't jump on waterline method unless you have full comprehension what it is and what it does.
Classic scan method for roughing and finishing will bring much better result. If I were you I'd do only the grooves in 3D and everything else in plain machining operations.

[kjlpdx]

I would throw out too the idea that the bolts may work fine if they pass through square slots rather than horizontal holes.  that is what I did with my spindle bracket.  then the machining is all 2.5D.  used washers on the bolt heads and nuts to help span the square holes.  or clamp the halves together and drill them on a drill press and be done.