two rail sweeps

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trparker
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two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

I am using the trial version of Aspire
I already know I can not save the toolpath in the trial version
just wanted to see if I could do this.....

have been asked to make a dining room suite
just the table and chairs

the forum has examples how the seat designs were accomplished in Aspire

I have been unable to get a set of vectors the program will recognize as valid for sweeps
only trying for a two side rails and one crossover vector

it says in the help section
the rails need to both open or closed not over lapping....

if someone could help me get started I think I can do it....

the tutorial was a good one except I didn't benefit enough from it
to figure this out.....

thank you very much ahead of time

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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

If might help if you can show a picture of what you are trying to accomplish. There are many types of seats!

I use a separate two rail sweep for each side of my seats, with a little overlap. Here is an example of how I do it, also showing the settings I use so the overlaps blend together.
two rail sweep.JPG
Here is what the seats look like after I use another sweep to subtract some from the front, to round it over.
Seat 4.JPG
dining chair picture.JPG
Last edited by rscrawford on Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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esteeme1
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by esteeme1 »

Just to add

Without seeing the vectors it is all guess work. If you can post a few screen shots of what you are doing it may help.

I believe the most common mistake you can make is to select the profile vector first. You must select each rail then the profile.

Another problem you may have is that the profile doesn’t return back to the base height. in other words the ends of you profile vectors need to return to the base or should have legs/supports. You don't always need supporting legs but to give yourself some control and understanding of what you are doing they will help

Another problem that could be occurring is that the start points of the rails could be at opposite ends. you can change the start point by hovering over the end node and left click a pop up window will give you and option to make that node the start point. Don't quote me on this (because I don't always use it) but I think you can hit P to change the start point as well.
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trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

my drawings don't nearly as good as yours
I intent to fine tune it until it has better curves and balance
I really wanted to figure this feature of the program out
Attachments
chair.crv3d
(14 KiB) Downloaded 406 times

trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

okay it did download

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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

You will have to take a screen shot of your vectors and post that. No one can open your file since it was done with a trial version. If we can see your vectors, then maybe we can pinpoint the problem!
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BrianM
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by BrianM »

Here is the file in a format which can be loaded into the full version for those who want to see what the original poster is doing.

Brian
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chair_full_version.crv3d
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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

Okay, I'll post a screen shot so its easier to talk about this. I think Jim had some good suggestions.

You need two 'rails' in order to do a two rail sweep. Right now, there is just one vector. You also need tails on your sweep vector. You should maybe watch the tutorials on two rail sweeps, and it will be easier to discuss seat designs then. Seat designs are not a simple first project!!
Untitled.jpg
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trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

okay, I just got a chance to get a jpg loaded
Attachments
chair.jpg

trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

I am going to watch it again
already watched it couple of times

Ha, he makes it look easy!!
although I am sure I don't know what is going on yet

I do appreciate you help on it
I am going to keep digging away at until I catch on

I understand what you mean I need another rail vector
and tail on my cross vector

I will work on that....

the main reason for upgrading to Aspire from Vcarve right now is to make
that table and chair set.....

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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

Here is one way to do it using your file. I broke your vector in half, and added a straight line at the front and centre of the chair. Then I did each half of the seat as a separate two rail sweep.
Sample 1.jpg
Sample 2.jpg
chair_full_version.crv3d
(2.27 MiB) Downloaded 287 times
Attachments
Sample 1.jpg
Sample 2.jpg
chair_full_version.crv3d
(2.27 MiB) Downloaded 269 times
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trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about
that looks good....
and I finally figured out what I was doing wrong....
I was able to get a component made in the rail sweep

that is a good idea making the seat in two rail sweep halves

I sure appreciate you staying with me on this.....

how did you stop the ridge from continuing throughout the
length of the seat....

I suppose I could take the component over to sculpting and
erase the ridge out of the rear of the seat.....

thanks, I am very encourage I think I'll get the full version now

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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

That example was a very quick and rough version using your vectors. In the example I showed in my first post the two sweeps overlap, and that makes the ridge gently disappear into the back of the seat. I like that look much better, and its more comfortable to sit in. When you are ready to make your seats, and if you need a little help, message me and I'll help you refine your model. I always design just one side of the seat, and then mirror it so that it is exactly symmetrical.

I like to put a little extra time into my modelling so that I have very little shaping and sanding to do by hand. I also like to do as little 3D toolpathing as possible, because 2D cuts are much faster and much cleaner. Of course, the dished out part of the seat is best done with a 3D finish toolpath, but the rest of the seat is done with profile cuts.
Russell Crawford
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trparker
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by trparker »

You know this is really a good forum

I got my machine at the end of the year
I didn't know nothing, I mean nothing
I thought Mach 3 was the speed of sound or something
But, I met good folks and they directed me to some
good folks right here on this forum....

anyway I appreciate your help
sounds like that you have got it all thought out

I placed my upgrade order from Vcarve to Aspire last night
waiting on PayPal and the bank to get together....
(anything over a thousand dollars and it's major deal anymore)

I am looking for wood in the meanwhile
Walnut is what I am trying for

I noticed that some of the seats on the forum were like 1 3/4 inches
that sound really thick to me

since you have made some chairs already what are your recommendations

again thanks

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rscrawford
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Re: two rail sweeps

Post by rscrawford »

I always use 8/4 stock for my seats (they end up being 1.75" when jointed and planed). I rely on the leg/seat joint for strength, so I need that thickness. That also allows a bit more depth to the contours.

Many commercial windsor style chairs use 5/4 stock. Depends what look you are going for, and where you want the strength to come from. I have chairs that are 15+ years old and the joints are as solid as the day I made them, because I use a Maloof style locking joint with very tight tolerances. But that requires a little thicker, more expensive stock.
Russell Crawford
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