Shaper origin Z axis truly 2d

[Bertotti]

So I am watching this video and it sinks in there truly is no 3d type of carving to be done with SO. You can set z to a depth and cut a layer then another etc like in this video but no z-axis changes during cut for even shallow rudimentary 3d relief carving. Am I understanding this correctly?

I have been unable to get a link to a youtube to work but this at least shows the proper link so just copy and paste if you so desire.

 

[squall_line]

Correct, the Shaper Origin currently only cuts "live" in the X/Y plane.  Adjustments in the Z axis are between runs.

I don't have one myself, but I researched it a little while back because I was curious about relief shaping.

 

[Bertotti]

Yes, as I learn more about it it would be a perfect tool for me if it did even a limited .75-1' z-axis live. I am now back to wondering if a cnc might be a better solution for me but the cost is upped a bit to go that route because of the size and scale I want to work in. Large table tops and or small decorative structural beams. The Yeti cnc someone posted or one of the home builds I can lengthen is looking like a more suitable solution at this point but the cost is probably double what I would need for a SO and related accesories.

 

[WastedP]

Also note that the z-axis depth can't be programmed into a design.  If you have a hinge or something with multiple holes or mortises at different depths, you need to keep them sorted out when you're cutting.  If I am designing something in Inkscape, I add notes to the design to call out the depth so I remember it when I'm at the tool.  If I have a jig for a design, I'll write the depths on the jig. For things that are designed on-tool, I find myself writing depth dimensions on scraps.  Making z programmable is my #1 feature request for future software updates.  It would be great if it could adjust it on the fly, for relief carving, but I would settle for just being able to tie a z dimension to a path.

Here's a video of on-tool design, if you skip in a few minutes, it shows how I have to keep track of what z is what.  The recent Inverness update to the SO makes the grid and anchoring parts a little easier.

 

[Bertotti]

Wow, nice vid, sure seems like more work than it needs to be though. I wonder if Shaper plans on adding more z functionality as they move forward. Sadly I only buy on current functionality not hopeful or even promised upgrades. I have been bitten by that in the past so if it can't do what I want now I generally will wait until it can or move on. I still want one just really needed a bit more z functionality. Thanks for the vid!

 

[Cheese]

Really nice job on the video...[not worthy]...this one is actually very enjoyable to watch and to learn from.

 

[WastedP]

Hey, thanks for the kind words.

Shaper has never promised any kind of z control other than what you can get to from the touchscreen.  I think they've gone as far as saying that they will NOT be supporting any kind of 3d carving, since the machine generates it's own toolpaths on the fly, and that would just be too much computing demand for... a router.  A simple pre-programmable z would save some headaches caused by human error, though.  There's a big difference between 0.1 inch and 0.01 inch of depth if you're engraving.  I tested this, and it's true.  Even still, I'd buy the SO again because it's the most portable option, and I can work on inlays smaller than a dime and cut a single sixteen-foot 1x12 into a set of arched door rails with a single radius.  If I was just sticking to small stuff, I sure like the specs (and looks) of the Hammer HNC machine, albeit at twice the price of the SO with Workstation.

 

[Bob D.]

"I have been unable to get a link to a youtube to work "

For me if I try to use the link provided by YT when you use their Share button it does not work. But if you go up to the address bar in your browser and copy that link and paste it into your post here it does work, at least for me.

As an example these two links are to the same video on YouTube.

This first one is using the Share button on YT. Most likely just a blank space below


and the second link taken from the address bar

broken link text [ ht tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dC13inQC9A ]


Here is the first link again but broken so the forum software will display the text.

ht tps://youtu.be/7dC13inQC9A

 

[Bertotti]

I'll give that a shot next time! Thanks for the tip and the one you posted was pretty cool to watch as well.

 

[Bertotti]

Hey, thanks for the kind words.

Shaper has never promised any kind of z control other than what you can get to from the touchscreen.  I think they've gone as far as saying that they will NOT be supporting any kind of 3d carving, since the machine generates it's own toolpaths on the fly, and that would just be too much computing demand for... a router.  A simple pre-programmable z would save some headaches caused by human error, though.  There's a big difference between 0.1 inch and 0.01 inch of depth if you're engraving.  I tested this, and it's true.  Even still, I'd buy the SO again because it's the most portable option, and I can work on inlays smaller than a dime and cut a single sixteen-foot 1x12 into a set of arched door rails with a single radius.  If I was just sticking to small stuff, I sure like the specs (and looks) of the Hammer HNC machine, albeit at twice the price of the SO with Workstation.

There are a few cool cnc machines, maybe more than a few, but I have often wondered how much trouble it would be to take the standard fourth rotary axis and convert it to a drive for a belt on the table to work longer pieces through, pieces longer than the table would normally allow with its limited lengths. The length is why the Yeti is interesting to me. And really what was drawing me to the SO! I may still go for an SO we will see.

 

[tallgrass]

There are solutions for dealing with long material in short beds cnc routers. Shopbot has a solution for just this issue.

 

[Bertotti]

I was doing more googling and saw some workarounds, index points, etc. I think however the So will come home first. After I get used to it I might step up to a CNC. At this point, there are plenty of uses I can put an SO to work on the larger beams, and such, are ideas for personal projects at this time so no rush and maybe no long-term need.

I have Affinity now through the mac app store and am working on text and manipulations of them. Next, some simple inlay designs then how to export. I did order the Affinity Workbook. Anything else I should work on with Affinity to get going? I doubt I will see the Shaper until next year, apparently, my wife needs to have a wrist scoped from a fall on the ice this winter, so I'll need short-term cash to pay for that! But, that doesn't mean I can't get up to speed with this software first, right! That will just make my first days with Shaper go quicker! I could even do a few easy exports and run to my equipment store. They would gladly try one out to see how it works. They almost always have three SO and three or four workstations on hand at any given time. Several of those guys want one as well especially after using their demo unit!

Thanks for all the replies and advice everyone it is greatly appreciated and if you have any thoughts on what to do with Affinity besides what I mentioned here let me know! I am not beyond listening to others with more know-how than I have. I might be an older go but I can still learn new tricks!

 

[HowardH]

Something else to know is you are only supposed to safely plunge the depth of the diameter of the bit. For example, if you are cutting curves with tight corners, you might use a .125 bit meaning the depth of cut would be the same or risk snapping the bit.  It forces you to make 3-4 passes, sometimes more, if you are required to cut all the way through a workpiece that could be .5” thick or more. That’s the kind of thing that you have to have patience. 

 

[WastedP]

When I can get away with it, I will just use one pass, then cut the remainder off with a miter saw, table saw, or jigsaw, then flush trim with a larger router.  Totally depends on the situation, though.

 

[Bertotti]

I did not know that but I will keep it in mind. Does that hold true with straight bits as well? So an 1/8" straight bit you cut to 1/8 or 1/4 cut to 1/4? no more?

It seems to me that this tool and any software you are using becomes more and more useable with many more options on how to use it the better you learn it.

 

[HowardH]

I did not know that but I will keep it in mind. Does that hold true with straight bits as well? So an 1/8" straight bit you cut to 1/8 or 1/4 cut to 1/4? no more?

It seems to me that this tool and any software you are using becomes more and more useable with many more options on how to use it the better you learn it.

That is what they recommend. I would imagine if you’re using a .25” bit, you can be a little bit more aggressive but definitely not with the smaller bits. Ask me how I know…

 

[Crazyraceguy]

That is not entirely true, because the "Helix" that it can do while cutting small holes (that are bigger than the cutter) is a Z-axis move while moving X and Y at the same time. So, the machine is capable, it just needs to be enabled in a firmware update? I would guess that they are either working that out or holding it back for some kind of future model?

 

[HowardH]

I’m talking about moving laterally.  Helix is for cutting holes. It’s the only time it used a Z function.

 

[Bertotti]

When did Amazon start delivering packages, my workbook was delivered today. When did Sunday become a good delivery day?

As to the workbook I am into the first chapter and it looks to be quite useful. I'll learn a lot from it. It has other pro users with projects later in it and links to the resources to use to get through them the way the pro did. Very cool I htink.

 

[squall_line]

When did Amazon start delivering packages, my workbook was delivered today. When did Sunday become a good delivery day?

As to the workbook I am into the first chapter and it looks to be quite useful. I'll learn a lot from it. It has other pro users with projects later in it and links to the resources to use to get through them the way the pro did. Very cool I htink.

Amazon has had their own delivery fleet for quite a while.  Sunday deliveries started for all companies some time in the late 2010's; I think USPS went to 7-day work weeks around 2016 or 2017.  I don't remember when Thanksgiving was taken over by retailers to stay open, but it was around that same time.  Nobody in this country knows what a "day off" is any more, it seems...