Tracing a 3D line in CAD

[Anonymous]

I have asked this in a different way but it seems like there must be a workaround. I want to draw a line something like the edge of a potato chip and make a tool path that traces it. I finally am able to draw the line. 

[davebYYPCU]

So you can - or can't draw the line?

Will need to see what you want.

[Anonymous]

So, the path is how a sphere intersects a guitar body. But here is a random drawing with all the features. One edge has been split by a spherical tool and I would like to trace the line. (I can draw the line.)

[laughingcreek]

Is this a CAM question?

[Anonymous]

I guess it is a little of both. Should I cross post it to CAD?

[laughingcreek]

Mostly trying to drill down to the question.  It's been a while since I've done cam work, but tracing a 3d path isn't difficult.  You might try the CAM area also.  If somebody doesn't chime in with an answer I'll take a look this evening.  I had to trace a 3d line on my last CNC project, just don't remember the exact commands off the top of my head.

[Anonymous]

For some reason I was thinking that trace would only follow a 2D path. I did some experiments and it indeed will cut the path for where a guitar back joins the sides.

[daniel_lyall]

@Anonymous trace usually just does what it's told to do and sticks to the sketch (2D or 3D sketch) it also depends on the tool and the direction of the curve as well.

I am doing a model now where traces fail because of the curve, I am useing project to do it with a bull nose and it's fine.

When you go to do the curved sketch I find it easier if you have a faces to pick to put the sketch on and hit slices so you are looking right at the sketch and there is nothing in the way so then you can just sketch in some lines to close it in and you can use that sketch for the toolpath as well.