Routing and building RC models

[eurikain]

Hi all, and thank you very much for the time you take to write these answers :)

@MetalMagus
Thanks a lot, I'll have a look at that software.

@routercnc
I've got some cutting plans scanned as an HD PDF. It looks great and you've got all the skeleton, I could start with that in SW. But I was also thinking that I could use a ready made model from GrabCAD, shell it in SW and build the skeleton from there (may be getting inspiration from the cutting plan I've got, because I don't have much experience in making structures for RC models, I always use to buy the kits). But the workflow as you describe it is obviously the best (and I knew that, but I just hoped there was a quicker way). SW lets you assemble the model and make sure it fits right and is custom made for your batteries and servos.

Your advice on using lite ply instead of balsa is excellent. I will have a look at where I can provide the material locally. I am sure I will be able to get the weight almost to what I'd get out of balsa, but with much more strength. I think I'll post a build thread on here when I start this build.

@JAZZCNC
You don't have to convince me :D I love SW, I am used to it, and pretty quick at it as well. I haven't used much of the configuration features because I have never needed it so far, but I think it's one of the best features of the software. I am a bit disappointed that configurations are discrete (i.e. you have to configure them in the configuration table) where as it would be nicer to have a part you can just generate by giving it dimensions. I think there is such a feature is SW (aren't they called smart components or something like that ?), but I'm not too sure anymore.

Now, coming to the CAM part, I would be very interested in knowing how you do it for the software to automatically recalculate the toolpath. I've been struggling with this over the past few weeks: sometimes when I am programming the CAM in MasterCAM, I realise I have to make little adjustments to my model, so I go back in SW, change the model, and then have to restart the hole toolpath all over again, and it's driving me nuts. I also seem to struggle in finding where you're suppose to tell the software to automatically add G91.1 in the Gcode header. I looked in my post processor file for Mach3 but couldn't find the line to do this.

All the best,
G.

[JAZZCNC]

@JAZZCNC
I haven't used much of the configuration features because I have never needed it so far, but I think it's one of the best features of the software. I am a bit disappointed that configurations are discrete (i.e. you have to configure them in the configuration table) where as it would be nicer to have a part you can just generate by giving it dimensions. I think there is such a feature is SW (aren't they called smart components or something like that ?), but I'm not too sure anymore.

Not sure what your meaning because you can do this and more. Such as using Equations to drive models from other components. Advanced but still do-able.

Now, coming to the CAD part, I would be very interested in knowing how you do it for the software to automatically recalculate the toolpath. I've been struggling with this over the past few weeks: sometimes when I am programming the CAM in MasterCAM, I realise I have to make little adjustments to my model, so I go back in SW, change the model, and then have to restart the hole toolpath all over again, and it's driving me nuts.

Well It's down to the Cam software being integrated with SW so can take advantage of being fully Parameteric. If MasterCam is stand alone then probably can't do that.

I also seem to struggle in finding where you're suppose to tell the software to automatically add G91.1 in the Gcode header. I looked in my Mach3.post file but couldn't find the line to do this.

You will need to add this to the Post Processor. Often the post will have Procedure called "Start of Program" or "Start_Program". It's here you add the G91.1.

[eurikain]

Yes, sorry I meant CAM, not CAD :) I see, I think there is a MasterCAM plugin for SW, have to try it out. What do you use ?