Moving start points on open paths

[RAD]

Hi, is there a way to move start points from the end of open paths for when indexing. I would like to eliminate pierce points, even when using a lead-in it sometimes ends up on the part side and not the drop out side.

[RAD]

I've drawn the lead-in on the drop out side so they wont show up on the part side, while this is not not too tedious is there an easier way to do this within sheetcam.

[acourtjester]

You can try putting a switch in the arc ok line to help reduce the delay at the start.

[RAD]

The way I do it is to use no offset for open lines

thanks, I don't have any offset neither but how would not having any offset help with eliminating pierce points? are you using lead-ins on open paths? When I use lead-ins they end up on the part side (the side I need) is there a way to flip them over to the opposite side?

[RAD]

thanks, can you briefly tell how this works is this what they call a flying start? I think I read that somewhere while browsing the forum but not sure how it works.

[acourtjester]

First it only works on thin metal like up to 14 Ga. it reduces the time for the pierce and that reduces the divot.
You drop the pierce height to about 0.080" and cut height the same 0.080" and the divot is a lot smaller.
There has been good info posted on here some time back, I have not heard of a flying start so I cannot say.

[RAD]

^ thanks I'll do a search and see what comes up. I would be cutting mostly 1/8" and up though.

[muzza]

Can't see "on the fly" type starts working on anything thicker than about 14 gauge as XY motion is already happening when it pierces.

You could try making your lead in as more of an arc or tangent, even extend it up the cut line by about 2mm before add ing the arced lead-in and let the two cuts overlap that part of the cut. May require the use of a cut rule to turn off THC to prevent torch dive depending on your system.
Murray

[Les Newell]

Are you using an offset or are you using 'no offset'? If you are using an offset do you have 'offset open paths' selected?

[tnbndr]

When I use lead-ins they end up on the part side (the side I need) is there a way to flip them over to the opposite side?

I do my drawings with inside and outside layers. Except for the outline almost all cuts go on the inside layer. That way in SheetCam you can choose inside offset when applying the correct tool to the inside layer and your lead in should appear in the waste part of the cut, not the good part.

SheetCam Layers.JPG (57.42 KiB) Viewed 1689 times

SheetCam Layers.JPG (57.42 KiB) Viewed 1689 times

[RAD]

Hi Les, I am using 'no offset' as final dimensions are not critical, this is a decorative insert for a gate.

tnbndr that makes sense, I didn't think of that, I would try that when I get home.

[Les Newell]

If you are using 'No offset' or have 'Offset open paths' turned off SheetCam has no real way of working out which side of the cut to put the leadin. You can reverse the cut direction but that affects all paths. If you use an inside/outside offset and have 'Offset open paths' selected you get a bit more control. In start point mode moving the start point to the other end of the line changes the cut side. If you right-click on a start point and select 'reverse cut direction' the leadin will move to the other end of the line. This isn't very intuitive but it does work.

[RAD]

Ah, thanks Les, I just needed to have 'offset open paths' checked, i'm good to go now!