Creating rotary toolpaths for Venus (4-axis CNC) in DeskProto V7

Using the fourth axis of your CNC machine is easy with the DeskProto CAM software. This DeskProto session shows how the toolpaths were generated for the popular one minute video "Rotation axis machining a wooden sculpture". The Venus STL geometry file that is used is a free download from our website. This is a fast-track tutorial, for more background information view the videos to create a Lincoln or Nefertiti statue.

[@android4cg]

Great Tutorial! Is it also possible to use normal flat milling cutter for roughing process or only ball nose cutter supported?

[@Deskproto]

Sure, that is very well possible. In DeskProto you can create many types of cutters, and select these for any operation.

[@AndyMac53]

Hi - excellent tutorial for what looks like a terrific piece of software - I'm very much looking to trying it out. I have a Sainsmart Genmitsu 3030 with 4th Axis attachment - which machine do you think would be best for mew to select in the Desk Photo settings?

[@Deskproto]

Thanks for the compliment ! I think that the machine definition in DeskProto for the SainSmart Genmitsu 4040 will come closest. Further see www.deskproto.com/support-tips-tricks/dp-tips-machine-not-listed.php. And about the SainSmart machines you can read www.deskproto.com/support-tips-tricks/dp-tips-sainsmart.php

[@walkbehindtrimmer_attachment]

Please help me. After the roughing is done. I have to do tool change for the finishing. How do I put the new tool in the spindle collet so that it has the same clearance ( as the roughing to the top of my stock ) - Also i have my tails stock on the left side and my 4 & 5 axis on the right side - as in your video you have the tail stock on the right side. Do I have to reverse the direction as saw on your video? I hope you understand my question. TIA.

[@Deskproto]

After a manual toolchange indeed the length of the new cutter will be different, so you need to again set the Z=0 level. This means that the process o setting the Z=0 needs to be repeatable, allowing you to set the same Z=0 or all cutters that you use. When on your machine the motor is on the right side it is indeed not needed to reverse the direction. Most important still is that the same zero point needs to be used both in DeskProto and on the machine.

[@walkbehindtrimmer_attachment]

@@Deskproto Thanks so much for your help. Have a great and safe weekend. God Bless.

[@mertkars1463]

Which post processor do we need to use for 5 axis Cnc machine mach3?

[@Deskproto]

For a Mach3 drive machine you can use the postprocessor called Mach3/Mach4. That can be used for 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis. For more information on 5-axis machining with DeskProto read Chapter 9 of the Tutorial book on www.deskproto.com/download/manuals.php

[@christinas5691]

What machine are you using here? I couldn't find it with a google search

[@Deskproto]

This machine is a CPM-4030, made by Isel in Germany. It is an old model, that is no longer available, it's successor is the ICP-4030.

[@furnituredesignbyblender8931]

Hello, I want to ask what is why the weapon of the cutter enters the design because of distortion

[@Deskproto]

I do not understand the question, sorry about that. Where does the cutter "enter the design" or distort the part ? If this is visible in the video you can mention at how many minutes and seconds.

[@wittyfpv]

does this software work for a 4 axit grbl machine?

[@Deskproto]

Yes, it does. In DeskProto simply select the machine called "GRBL-based machine".

[@metallicaandchimaira]

Hello! I am getting an issue where my tapered ball nose wont do a finish in certain parts of this bust I am attempting to do. What could be the cause for this?

[@Deskproto]

Many possible causes, like the cutter being too large, the area being too small, an undercut area... Cannot say from a distance.

[@nockesumampouw6165]

How many hours is the machining time?

[@Deskproto]

On our (slow) machine it has been 3 to 4 hours. On other machines this may be completely different.

[@josephgeorge495]

Does this software allows me to import stock file?

[@Deskproto]

Hi Joseph. DeskProto does not offer such feature, sorry. For a rotary project you can define a cylindrical stock or a rectangular stock, that is all.

[@josephgeorge495]

@@Deskproto thank you

[@nemesi1177]

jajaja, its no same machined part, that painted , are different models, come on !!

[@Deskproto]

The painted model also has been machined using DeskProto. This tutorial video shows how you can create such model. On the website you can find even more machined Venus models, created by several other DeskProto users.

[@kjgdsvhj]

Please give your number Sir.

[@kjgdsvhj]

9840340846 this is my number Sir

[@WoodworkerBV]

this 3 axis

[@Deskproto]

Correct, as only three axes are moving when machining. Still the 4th axis is moving when machining, which is why we called it 4-axis CNC.