How Toolpath Tolerance Affects Vector Doctor Results in Carveco

Overview

Toolpath tolerance and Vector Doctor tolerance are closely related. If these settings don’t match, you might find yourself trying to fix a large number of vector errors that aren't actually affecting your machining. This tutorial shows how to align these tolerances for an accurate and efficient workflow.

Understanding the Problem

When generating a toolpath, Carveco may warn you of vector intersections. If you then open Vector Doctor with a different tolerance, it may report far more problems than are relevant.

Step-by-Step: Diagnosing and Matching Tolerances

1. Attempt to Machine

1. Create or import complex traced vectors.
2. Try to apply a V-bit carving toolpath.
3. If you get a vector intersection error, note the toolpath’s tolerance value (e.g., 0.001").

2. Use Vector Doctor

1. Open Vector Doctor.
2. Enable only Vector Intersections.
3. Set the tolerance to match the toolpath (e.g., 0.001"), not the default 0.01".
4. Click Identify.

You should now see only the actual issue(s) that prevent toolpath generation — not unnecessary ones.

Fixing the Problem

1. Zoom into the flagged area.
2. If it’s a small loop or redundant vector, delete or trim it.
3. Recheck in Vector Doctor — once resolved, it should return zero markers.

Final Machining Attempt

1. Return to your V-bit toolpath.
2. Use the same tool and settings as before.
3. Click Refresh, then Calculate.

If done correctly, the toolpath will calculate without errors, and the simulation will reflect your design accurately.

Summary