Hi all. I bought a dog dish holder off of Etsy. Everything is great, except when I click on the tongues I need to resize, and hit the T button. I punch in for my Y size (which I know is accurate because I already profiled my material), uncheck the “link xy” tab. It is only cutting 3/16" slot when I need a .6" slot. I don’t know what I can do except keep changing the size bigger and bigger, until it actually cuts the .6". What am I doing wrong?
BTW. I JUST bought the new VCarve Pro 3 days ago, and am using an Altmill 4x4. IF that helps
I know your head is in your project but I had a little trouble envisioning your problem. But good old AI might be helpful as a starting point. Here is some suggestions, hope it helps you get started:
Based on your description, you are likely experiencing a CNC bit radius compensation issue (often called “inside” vs. “outside” or “on” the line toolpaths) or confusing a single-line vector with a closed slot profile. When you tell your software to resize a slot to 0.6 inches, the software changes the vector’s size, but your CNC machine cuts along the center of that vector using your physical router bit.
Here is what is happening and how to fix it.
1. Check Toolpath Compensation
If your vector is a closed rectangle measuring 0.6 inches, but the physical cut is only 3/16minches (0.1875inches, your software is likely generating an Inside / Profile toolpath using a large bit, or an On the Line toolpath.
The Problem: Cutting “On the Line” means the center of the bit follows the vector.
The Fix: Change your toolpath settings from “On/Center” to Inside / Profile (or “Outside” depending on how the Etsy file was designed). This forces the software to calculate the offset for the physical radius of your router bit.
2. Verify Vector Type
Your “slot” might actually be a single open line instead of a closed rectangular box.
The Problem: If you select a single straight line and hit ‘T’ (Transform/Scale) to change its “Y” size, you are only changing the length of that single line. When the CNC cuts it, the width of the slot will strictly equal the exact diameter of your router bit.
The Fix: If you are using a 3/16 inch bit, a single line pass will always yield a 3/16 (0.1875\inch} slot. You must draw or select a closed rectangle that measures \(0.6\ wide so the bit can clear out the material by making multiple passes.
3. Check Selected Bit Diameter
Your software relies entirely on the tool database to calculate movements.
The Problem: If the software thinks you are using a \(0.5\text{ inch}\) bit, but you actually put a 3/16 bit into the router spindle, the physical cut will be significantly undersized.
The Fix: Double-check your toolpath summary. Ensure the Tool Diameter matched in the software exactly mirrors the physical bit loaded into your CNC.
Summary of the Solution
The issue occurs because the CNC software is cutting down the center line of the vector or using the wrong tool offset logic, resulting in a slot width that just equals your bit diameter.
To fix this, ensure the slot is a closed rectangle vector scaled to 0.6 inches, choose a Pocket or Inside Profile toolpath, and verify your bit diameter is accurately defined in your software settings.
@GPeak While I would like to help, I need more information than an AI engine does. I don’t know what a “tongue” is, for example, unless this is tongue and groove joinery.
If you post a link to the Etsy file, it may help to envision what you are trying to do.
Summary of the Solution