rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

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gadget-evilusions

rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

Post by gadget-evilusions »

Is there a way to rough and finish a pocket function with two different sized cutters without recutting a bunch of air?

I made a pocket pass using a 1/2" mill to clear out the large portions of stock on this brick panel I am making 20 of right now. It leaves some areas that the 1/2" can't hit. I'd like to go back with a 1/4" and clear out those missed areas without having to recut everything the 1/2" already did.

I am making these 4 x 8 brick wall panels out of 3/8 mdf on my router right now.

I am using a 1/2" bit to rough out all the large areas, and then a 1/2 82 deg to do some of the detail work.

There are a few spots the 1/2" can't get into when roughing, so I'd like to run a 1/4" bit in to clean that out. the problem is that I can't figure out how to do it without recutting all the air the 1/2" has already cleaned out. Is there a rough and finish function that I don't see that allows you to run multiple bit sizes for efficiency? Or a mill remainder function that will pocket out areas that haven't been hit by another mill yet?


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WaltS
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Re: rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

Post by WaltS »

In the pocket toolpath there is an option to use a large area clearance bit. Check that box, put your 1/2" bit in there and use your 1/4" bit as the regular bit. The program with calculate 2 pocket paths (one named "clear") using the two different bits for you, the 1/2" will "clear" and the 1/4" will go back and "detail" the missed areas. Run them both and that should do what you want.
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FixitMike
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Re: rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

Post by FixitMike »

Be sure to click the "Show advanced toolpath options" box at the top of the pocket toolpath window.
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WaltS
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Re: rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

Post by WaltS »

^^^ I knew there was something I was forgetting to mention.

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FixitMike
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Re: rough and finish pockets with two different sized tools?

Post by FixitMike »

WaltS wrote:^^^ I knew there was something I was forgetting to mention.
Been there, done that. :D
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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