Sir Crashalot

Hello all!
Just a quick question for those CAD users out there. I have a “tab A in slot b” type of question. How much room do you give for clearance? For example, for a tab that is 1/8” by 1”, how much larger would you make the slot to allow a tight but easy fit? This is only for a former which fits into a fuse doubler. Nothing fancy.
Thanks

All Day Dan

My Feedback: (5)

Before I use the "real thing" a few trial and error cuts gets me to the right size. I make them the same size and cut on the line. If that does not work I start enlarging the slot or reducing the tab until they fit. It is all dependent on the width of the saw blade and the type of wood. I do not use a laser cutter. Dan.

N1EDM

My Feedback: (2)

Are you using the CAD file for laser cutting? If so, I wouldn't leave any clearance at all. If accurately drawn, the kerf from the laser cutting should be enough. That's been my experience with laser cutting.

Just my $.02

Bob

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

A generally allow .005" for the laser kerf on just about every type of material that I cut in order to get a snug fit on slots and tabs. Has been working for me for nearly a decade.

Sir Crashalot

Hello all!
Thanks for all your replies. I made a guess at .004”, but I wasn’t sure if that was enough. I will change it to .005”. This is my first time trying a laser cutting company, so I’ll have to wait to see how things turn out. If this doesn’t work, I’ll change it. The guy I talked to said he would work out any problems I would have. So I don’t think I’ll have any issues. I just wanted to be as close to the ball park as possible.
Thanks again.

BMatthews

Balsa is an amazingly supple material. If the goal is to have the parts snick together with a slight push fit I'd suggest that you size the slot so that with allowance for the kerf that the final slot width is a perfect match or even a couple of thou smaller than the thickness of the sheet part intended to fit in the slot.

This is actually something you can try yourself. Cut and sand a slot in some material and measure the width with a set of calipers. Then test fit some sheet stock into the slot and aim for the sort of light push fit you're after. You'll quickly get a feel for how you want to size the laser cut notches to allow for the laser kerf.

Sir Crashalot

BMatthews
Thanks for your reply. That sounds like a good idea. I’ll try that first before I send the files off to the cutter and see what I come up with. The parts in question are ply. So I was more worried about having enough room. I’ve got a lot to learn about this aspect of our hobby.
Thanks again.