Use a 4th axis to machine a Venus sculpture
How to create rotary toolpaths for a 4-axis CNC milling machine
Creating toolpaths and machining Venus de Milo (DP V8, 24 min)
This 4-axis tutorial video shows how to create 4-axis CNC toolpaths using DeskProto Version 8. It succeeds the previous Venus tutorial, as that was made with DeskProto V7.1 and was not longer correct for the current version.
The video shows in detail how setup a new rotary project, enter all parameters for the part and for all operations, calculate toolpaths, and finally save the NC program files for this project. This DeskProto session is followed by video shots of the actual machining process.
The Venus STL file is available for you as a FREE download: you can find it on the Free CAD files page. Some background information on this geometry can be found on the gallery page about this statue.
Rotation axis machining is possible only in the Multi-Axis edition of DeskProto.
This DeskProto video is on HD quality (1920x1080 pixels).
Subtitles are available and can be switched on, in English and in Dutch.
For more information:
- the fifth lesson in the DeskProto Tutorial book explains the DeskProto rotation axis machining, using the same Venus geometry.
- Introduction video, part 1 shows the basic CNC workflow and the DeskProto wizards.
Some advanced rotary issues:
- 4-axis machining a cabriole leg in DeskProto V8 shows 4-axis machining where the cutter travels below the rotation axis.
- Machine a statue with undercuts: queen Nefertiti shows a combination of 4-axis machining and indexed machining.
- Create a wooden bust of Abraham Lincoln shows adding a text to a rotary part, using vector machining.