[GregGleason]

When the precision is shown is DeskProto, does this mean that this is the limits of the precision? For example, a centering ring that is milled from 0.25” plywood, that is 2.916” inch on the outside and 1.636” on the inside. If the precision is greater than 0.001” does this mean that it will not be able to achieve the cut? Or does the precision mean something else? Also, it appears that the diameter of the cutter impacts precision as well.

Could someone explain this to me?

Greg

[Lennings]

Hi Greg,

Have you read the help information about the Precision ?
Each dialog screen has a Help button that presents extensive background information on all settings in the dialog.
Also see the Help file about the Z-grid, which explains about DeskProto's 3D calculation algorithms.

Due to these algorithms DeskProto is not the best tool when you want to machine a ring where the diameter needs to be within a 0.001" tolerance field. The precision in DeskProto sets the tolerance field for each 3D toolpath, however lowering the precision to 0.001" will make the process very slow.
Anyway: for a geometry like this ring 2D CAM is a much better option. Two circular toolpaths will do the job very accurately. So if you mainly want to machine this type of geometry then you can better look for a good 2D CAM program: in DeskProto the 2D CAM options are not yet as user friendly as its 3D options.

Lex.