Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

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mhdworkbee
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Model of CNC Machine: Ooznest Workbee

Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

Hi All

New user to CadCam/CNC operations and very 'green' on Vectric!

We have started to cut a varying amount of profiles from flat product as part of our product range using our newly acquired Ooznest WorkBee.

We have been asked to bid for the cutting of 4 variations of the same design. This involves an outer profile and an inner, this is where we are having the issue. The inner profile has a central circle with four slots running from the centre stopping short of each corner. The material we are cutting from is 50mm (2") thick, the slot width is 54mm wide but at each end the slot finishes with a semi-circular profile sloping from the bottom to the top face. As a non-sloping profile this would be easy to draw and process but the slope is throwing me into great confusion.

I tried the Fluting operation but that doesn't seem to give the desired effect, it also finishes with an ellipse rather than a semi-circle.

I have attached a sketch of what is required. What do you guys think? We are running VCarve V9 by the way.
Problem cut.pdf
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sharkcutup
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by sharkcutup »

What is the depth of the slots into the 2" material??? Or are they Through Slots???


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adze_cnc
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by adze_cnc »

Sharkcutup,

The answer to your question can be found in section A-A (although that 29mm is probably rounded off).
Last edited by adze_cnc on Wed Apr 25, 2018 5:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

M Queen
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by M Queen »

I didn't see the width or depth before doing the little video but here is how I'd try it. You can still use the math to get what you need I think.

Mike Queen
Microsystems World CNC (WinCNC)
https://www.youtube.com/user/cncMike304

mhdworkbee
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

Yes, they are through slots.

Initially we had considered just using our pillar drill with the table angled to 30 degrees but again, this would create an ellipse. The other downside would be consistency and repeatable quality, as there is likely to be a number of these.

mhdworkbee
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

M Queen wrote:I didn't see the width or depth before doing the little video but here is how I'd try it. You can still use the math to get what you need I think.

Wow, thanks Mike. So a 60* bit to run without cutting the slot sides but finishing off at the end? I'm going to have a play with that, thanks again.

I'll post up any updates.

Thanks all of you!

Phil

cbr_speedster

Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by cbr_speedster »

I used the finishing operation to cut this with a 1/2" ball mill.
Attachments
HARD PART.JPG

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FixitMike
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by FixitMike »

The attached picture shows how it can be done with the fluting tool using a series of parallel vectors.

Keep in mind that the fluting toolpath defines the path of the center of your tool.
sloped hole.PNG
Good judgement comes from experience.
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FixitMike
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by FixitMike »

Note that for my fluting method, if you cut the pocket first, you can increase the plunge rate and the pass depth for the end mill to considerably reduce the machining time, as there is not much material removed on each pass.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

cbr_speedster

Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by cbr_speedster »

Well, what did you end up doing?

mhdworkbee
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

cbr_speedster wrote:I used the finishing operation to cut this with a 1/2" ball mill.
That is uncanny, I think I'll ship the board to you and you can finish them of for me!

mhdworkbee
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

FixitMike wrote:The attached picture shows how it can be done with the fluting tool using a series of parallel vectors.

Keep in mind that the fluting toolpath defines the path of the center of your tool.
sloped hole.PNG
Thanks Mike,

That is certainly expanding the capabilities of these toolpaths. I think I'll have a go with this.

mhdworkbee
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Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2018 11:56 am
Model of CNC Machine: Ooznest Workbee

Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by mhdworkbee »

cbr_speedster wrote:Well, what did you end up doing?
Hey cbr, I'm in the UK and whilst I've been sleeping you guys have been very generously offering your advice. Lots to think about (now that I'm awake :)).

I'll keep you posted and thanks again all.

Phil

M Queen
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Re: Which Toolpath Operation to choose?

Post by M Queen »

The attached picture shows how it can be done with the fluting tool using a series of parallel vectors.

Keep in mind that the fluting toolpath defines the path of the center of your tool.
Thank you Mike, you just taught an old dog a new trick.
Mike Queen
Microsystems World CNC (WinCNC)
https://www.youtube.com/user/cncMike304

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