This is an interesting thread, in that, I tried the Sketchup importer with Vcarve when first introduced. Based on all things related to this lengthy discussion, which I toiled over and had discussions with Vectric, I dropped it and went back to the old way. Bottom line: vectric indicated sketchup “layers” do not work like layers in other programs, so things just don’t compute. Which is probably why sketchup changed “layers” to what’s now called “tags”, lest anyone becomes confused on why things like this don’t work well.
Old school methodology for anyone interested in skipping the curve with these buggy plugins:
Lay parts out flat in SU
Export Holes, Dados, Rabbets, Cutouts as individual dxf files
import into Vcarve/Aspire and get toolpathing
Cumbersome? Sure. But again, as I read all the “trick the program” solutions, I realize I’m perfectly comfortable with grinding it out this way. Plus, a human is optimizing layouts, which includes matching ply veneer joints on centers for best look of completed door panels, for instance.
Just sayin’
Interesting. I’ve started laying some parts out flat in sketchup, because otherwise VCarve tries to give me two left sides instead of a left and right.
I haven’t tried outputting individual dxf files. I could see that being potentially tedious for huge files, but I’ll definitely give it a shot.
Finally have access to a computer with SketchUp and Vcarve. Here is how I would probably work around the dado not showing issue:
I have never had very good luck importing a 3-D drawing from SU into Vcarve so I tend to create two versions of the “board”. One is the actual piece of wood that will be placed on the CNC. In the photo attached that would be the brown one with woodgrain.
One option is to create a flat 2-D version of the 8" x 12" board like the pink one shown in this image. The issue is that the bit will stop 1/8" short of making it all the way thru the end of the board for a clean dado. The option I would probably do is the yellow one where, in SU I create a 8" x 14" board then draw the dado at 1/4" x say 13" including the 1/8" radius at each end. The board that goes on the CNC table will still only be 8" x 12" but Vcarve and the router “think” they are working on a 14" board so will keep right on going off the edge of the true 12" board. Crazy but this works well.
Again, the caution in doing this is making sure your CNC hold-downs are not in the area of the dado.
