How to split a big part to cut on small CNC router in many panels?

[zetkasprzyk]

Great minds of Fusion 360!

I would like to cut out a big shape ( tree ) on my small CNC router. This shape is roughtly 160cm tall, 180cm wide and router's bed is only 30cm x 40cm . How can I split the design ( model ) into  many "panels" so i can  cut them in 30cm x 40cm MDF material and glue them togheder later, with edges that roughtly match in size ( taking the cutter diameter into account ) ?

Thank you in advance for any ideas and answers.

[Anonymous]

did you ever find a solution for this?  I have a similar situation.

[jhackney1972]

It would really help if you attached your model.  If you do not know how to attach your Fusion 360 follow these easy steps. Open the model in Fusion 360, select the File menu, then Export and save to your hard drive. Then use the Attachments section of a forum post to attach it.

[etfrench]

Here's one way to split a body into equal sized slices:

[Anonymous]

thanks for the response!  I have attached the model.  my CNC is 17 X 20.  I've tried multiple time to follow this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c7iN2NlSHA&t=386s but can't get beyond step 3 (due to my limited knowledge).  any help will be appreciated.  I tried following etfrench's reply but having a tough time with it.

[etfrench]

Here's how to split your panel using a continuous line.  The method shown in your linked video will work better.

[etfrench]

Here's how to lay out your panel for shifted cutting.  In the screencast, the locator pins are just .125" away from the edge.  If you use a smaller endmill, this will be fine, otherwise move the holes out a bit.

[etfrench]

Here's the screencast:

[Anonymous]

EtFrench,

thanks for the response.  unfortunately I am no further ahead.  watching the youtube video I am to get to the same spot that you just explained.  but when I create and run the post-process it does not work.  the cnc moves in the wrong direction and errors out.  can you please help me create the s 2D contour after the rectangles have been drawn?  I've tried selecting different origins for the second cut after the holes but same results.  I am obviously doing something wrong due to inexperience.

thanks for any help.

[etfrench]

Attach your current file to the thread.

[Anonymous]

please see attachment.  as always, thanks for taking the time to help

[etfrench]

There are several things I don't understand about your model. 

1. Why do you have the model angled 15 degrees away from the main origin plane?  You have the model projected to a sketch on the main plane.  Some of the selected contours to mill are on the model and some are on the sketch. 
2. The Z axis changes from the top face in Setup1 to the bottom face in Setups 2 ,3 , and 4.
3. The model is larger in both X and Y dimensions than your CNC machine.  Specs for the machine state a 15"x20" cutting capacity.  You may not be able to mill this as one piece. What is the distance between the gantry legs? 

[daniel_lyall]

It will help you a lot to go through this https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/courses/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-I-_O0fbn4&list=PLmA_xUT-8UlIgb8kWsg3L5OA2I9JxI1gc

[Anonymous]

sorry for the dumb mistakes.  really new to fusion and trying to learn as I go.  I purchased the drawing online and have not changed anything (don't know how.  trying to learn).  still trying to figure out how to change it to the "best" orientation.  I have about 18" between the gentry legs.  I figured whatever I can't do with the machine, I will do manually.

[etfrench]

Notes:

1. Assuming you actually have 18" between the gantry legs, you will have about .040" clearance to do this in one piece😀The stock must be cut to the exact width first.
2. The construction lines on the left side of the Worksheet sketch represent the gantry legs and max cut width.
3. Assuming you actually have 18" between the gantry legs, you will have about .040" clearance to do this in one piece.
4. A copy of the panel was made and oriented to the XZ plane.
5. The moves will be from left to right when looking at the Front view.
6. Locator pins are 6mm, but could easily be .25" without changing the model.  Just use a .25" drill instead of the 6mm drill.
7. Home position will be -6mm on Y and -10mm on X from the locator pin.  All of the pin locations will be the same distance from Home.
8. The stock needs to accurately positioned and clamped for the first section.  The pin holes will be drilled after the stock is located for the first section.  After that, each section drills the pin holes for the next section.
9. Triangular tabs should be added to each of the cutouts.  They need to be in the same location when moving to the next segment. The easiest way to ensure this is to add points to the PinExclusions sketch to use for the tab locations.
10. I'd recommend using a 3mm bit instead of 6mm as this will give you less cleanup in the square corners.
11. You will need to figure out a clamping scheme.

@daniel_lyall Would you check the toolpaths to make sure they work correctly?

[Anonymous]

thank you so much for the help!  I am looking forward to trying this as soon as I can and will keep you posted.

[Anonymous]

how can I thank you enough for the help?  it worked beautifully!! thanks a million for taking your time to help me!!!!!  hopefully someday I'll be able to help someone else!  YOU ROCK!!!

[etfrench]

That's nice to hear.  Can you share a picture of the finished piece?

[Anonymous]

definitely will when I have the final part.  just did a test run

[Anonymous]

etfrench,

I can't thank you enough for the help!  thanks so much for the great help and the patience.  please see attached picture