GearHeads Corner

Hi,
I am new to this but am trying to cut a straight spur gear, 24 tooth, 48 D. P., 20 degree P. A. using a .016 cutter. One problem I was having was that when clicking add wheel to project the teeth would disappear so it looked like a clock gear. Now it doesn't do that but when I click on tangental and look at the tool path it looks like it is cutting out the tooth rather than the valley in the gear. Its even worse when I click rooting, and then tangental where it cuts out the valley then jumps over and takes out the tooth.. I'm assuming I am doing something wrong due to inexperience but cant figure out what?
Art

Hi Art:

  Can you post the project file here so I can take a look. I cant imagien why the teeth diappeared, but I am aware of a bug where it is possible for the graphics simulation to mess up and be 1/2 tooth out of position making it look as if your machining the tooth rather than the valley. ( In this case though, the cut still works, though the graphics are wrong.
  Ill check the project and see if I can see the mabiguity that causes this..

Art

Art,
I think what you described is what it is doing. I can see the tool path lines going up both sides in the center of the tooth. I must admit that I am more familiar with other forums and actually don't know how to post the project file on this forum. I was able to do a screen shot but because it's a .png file I can't save it here as an image. And can't change it to a .jpg file. I thought the screen shot would show you the tool paths but I cant get there from here. Is there somewhere on the forum that gives directions for doing these sort of things?
Art

Hi Art:

  You can post a png and such I belive. When you reply, there is a small link called "Additional Otions" under the reply box.
Click that ad youll find buttons for "Choose File" for attachments.

  Im thinking this problem your having may be due to tooth profile, arethese incolutes or epicycloidic teeth?

If you can, attach your project file, or a png or jpg and Ill let you know what I see..

Art (The other one. :) )

Art:

Just thought Id mention, Ive checked and the epicycloidics in some circumstances will draw the path in the tooth rather
than the space, however, the path is fine, just a graphics issue, on my list for repair.

Thx
Art

Art,
I'll try this again. Well as far as I know I have attached Val timing gears.gth, and val screen shot.png. If that didn't work as expected Ill have to try it again.
Art

Hi Art:


  As I suspected, its a graphics bug, its on my repair list for fall.
Thx for the report. Your toolpath will be fine, this shouldnt affect
any cut work. :)

Art

Art,
Thanks I am glad that it's only a bug.
Art