Plugin for Router Templates
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Is anyone aware of a plugin that will generate a template (outline) for routing patterns? That is, for woodworking using a router, I'd like to draw the finished shape of an arbitrary object (for example, something like a three- or four-leaf clover), input the size of the cutting bit and guide bushing (or guide bearing) diameters and have Sketchup generate the correct template outline for the inlay and the recess. The inlay piece itself should be the shape and size of the finished shape initially defined. It would have to take into account the limitations defined by the diameter of the bit and guide bearing.
The Offset tool will do some of it, but not entirely, particularly if the finished shape needs to have some jaggedness or something like that.
Another approach might be to generate the cutting path formed as the guide bushing/bearing rolls around the template. The Follow Me tool comes to mind, but this would need to be a strictly 2D operation.
Any suggestions?
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I've never seen anything like that. When I need to do this sort of thing, I generally do it with Offset and other tools. Too often I find there are places that require more knowledge and decision making than could be included in a script. There is an old G-code extension that draws tool paths that could be used to get you started with a template but Offset doesn't require all the data input.
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