CNC Shark Forum

For many specific sheet goods like nylon, aluminum, UHMW and the like, I use McMaster-Carr.

Ralph

Martin, The scan will be saved as an ".stl" file. The .stl file is a 3D model in the computer. You can scale it up or down in all or any axes. VCarve does not handle 3D programming but Vectric's Cut 3D program can turn the 3D file into a g-code for the machine. I'm not sure if Mach 3 does or not, bu...

I'm not terribly familiar with PhotoCarve, but having used similar programs, two thinks pop out at me: First, you'll get better results with a 1/32" ball end mill, much finer tip. Second, I think your spacing is too high, not enough resolution. 15 minutes seems very short for a carving of that size....

Hmmm, the fact that the flex is INCREASING is interesting. It should not be unless something is loose, cracked or broken. Let's say for argument that your Shark were built properly and that the excessive flex was due to poor design. In that case, the flex should remain constant and even be predictab...

Just to insure everyone is on the up and up: I do owe you a bit of an apology. We DID PM, and set a time but I also spoke with another member at the same time and I believe that I got the two of you confused. For that I am sorry. I am not really taking this personally, and I have no vested interest ...

I will also point out that a LOT of this discussion was prompted by your post :"I see these machines have no value". Mine has paid for itself many times over in actual billable work not including the value it has as a support for my own projects, so that is why I initially commented. You made a blan...

DRMRDR, just to be precise, if you are referring to me offering to call and not doing it, re-read my post. I invited you to PM me and we could set up a time to talk. I actually did hear from another member of the forum based on my offer here and we did talk for nearly an hour and a half, and I helpe...

Unfortunately, no one offers the perfect package. General has the iCarver which is a cool machine, but they sell it with ArtCam Express which is not the equal to VCarve, (ArtCam is, but not Express) and their controller software is not nearly as good as NWAs ShopBot makes a terrific machine, and the...

You can't do what you want, at least not using the v-carve toolpath command. When v-carving, the computer (not the Shark) reads the distance between the lines, and will plunge the bit until the cutting edges meet those lines, disregarding overall depth. That is why you do not enter a cut depth. You ...

I'm with Craig. I regularly do inlays with my Shark, as well as make parts that need to fit together such as slides and pockets. I'm always a bit bemused by people trying to achieve tolerances of a thousandth or two with wood products. Let the temperature in your shop change by 10 degrees and your t...