Form Tool Simulation - vCarve 8.5

[conifer]

Hi,

I just created my first form tool for a CMT finger pull bit (855.602.11). All went as planned until I tried to simulate the toolpath.

It seems vCarve uses the widest part of the cutter when simulating. I can see the shape of the cutter moving correctly on my toolpaths exactly as I planned. But because this bit is an under-cutting bit, vCarve simulation just shows a groove. I know in my head what the bit is doing and more importantly ran the program on a scrap piece before-hand, but it would be nice to see the proof before sending to the CNC.

Something I'm doing wrong or a limit to the simulation software?

I've attached photos of the simulation screen and the actual machined part to illustrate what I mean.

[Adrian]

You can't create a form tool with an undercut and you can't simulate an undercut in VCarve.

http://support.vectric.com/aspire-quest ... h-undercut

[conifer]

Thanks. That's what I thought.

Although you can create a form tool with an undercut, and it does show the cutter correctly in the simulation. It just doesn't simulate the material removal correctly.

[Adrian]

You shouldn't be able to create a tool with an undercut as the software will give you an error message when you do so.

[conifer]

Shhhh. Don't tell anybody else it works!