Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness

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WaltS
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Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2016 7:44 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot 2418 - Spindle - ScottP Spoilbrd
Location: Virginia USA

Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness

Post by WaltS »

I have been having an issue getting a pocket to clear cleanly. Using a 1/4" ballnose for the LACT and an 1/8" ballnose for the cleanup. The 1/4" stepover is 9% and the 1/8" is 8%. Shown is the outcome using an offset setting. It leaves ridges between the 1/4" cut area and the 1/8" cut area.

If I avoid the LACT and just cut the entire pocket with the 1/8" at 8% I get a clean pocket.

Wondering why it is avoiding these areas?
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heart pocket offset tp.JPG
heart pocket offset pv.JPG

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Adrian
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Re: Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness

Post by Adrian »

I expect it's to do with the curvature of the ball nose. The two toolpaths will meet at the edge of the tool which would leave a curved ridge.

If you simulate with end mills instead of ball noses that would confirm it.

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WaltS
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Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2016 7:44 pm
Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot 2418 - Spindle - ScottP Spoilbrd
Location: Virginia USA

Re: Pocket with Large Area Clear Tool Oddness

Post by WaltS »

Thanks Adrian. I kind of thought that was the case but had in the back of my mind that the software might take that into consideration and "clean up" the in between areas, too. Changing to a 1/4" end mill confirmed as you suggested.

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