Pocket Allowance

[WMS]

Does the pocket allowance impact both the sides of the pocket and the depth, or just sides.
Im looking for a way to make the sides slightly larger without redrawing the part, but I dont want to impact the depth.

[TReischl]

Just do it. Then hover your mouse over the pocket to see what the depth actually is.

Or, you can also find that information on the tool path listing.

BTW, I think using the pocket "allowance" is a lousy way to do it. When I need to tune a pocket I just Edit the tool and adjust the diameter a tad. If I want the pocket wider and deeper I make the tool a bit smaller. Remember, the Edit does not change the tool database, just the info for that cut.

That being said the best way in my opinion is to change the actual pocket vectors using the offset tool usually. That way if I ever come back to the project there is not a bunch of mysterious "adjustments" buried in the project.

[Adrian]

Ok, I'll bite. Why is using the field in the software for exactly the required purpose a lousy way to do it compared to lying about the size of the tool to the software?

The allowance only effects the sides and not the bottom. That is controlled by the cut depth.

[WMS]

That's great. Thanks Adrian

[SteveNelson46]

Ok, I'll bite. Why is using the field in the software for exactly the required purpose a lousy way to do it compared to lying about the size of the tool to the software?

The allowance only effects the sides and not the bottom. That is controlled by the cut depth.

Also, unless you have the bit with the specified angle it will not have any effect at the machine.

[adze_cnc]

Just do it. Then hover your mouse over the pocket to see what the depth actually is.

We should do a comparison to see if looking it up in the help file is quicker.

[WMS]

Adrian, the pocket allowance worked perfect on the sides and did not impact the depth, Part is a perfect fit, thanks again.

[TReischl]

Ok, I'll bite. Why is using the field in the software for exactly the required purpose a lousy way to do it compared to lying about the size of the tool to the software?

The allowance only effects the sides and not the bottom. That is controlled by the cut depth.

It sort of has to do with how I read "allowance". Allowance is something that is saved for later, as in an allowance for a finish pass. Removing more material does not leave anything so I do not view that as an "allowance". Sure, it can be used that way but I am not so convinced that was the "required" or intended use of that feature. There is one time I can think of when the use of the word "allowance" means to remove more material: "Leave an allowance for plating."

I am not so sure if one is "lying" about the size of the tool if one has programmed the pocket the correct size and it cuts smaller. But I don't think that is what the OP was trying to do, or maybe I am wrong about that. I only do that lying thing when I am in a hurry and know that I will not be revisiting the project again.

One thing I notice a lot is that folks think that if a tool says it is 8mm diameter then it is dead nuts perfect 8mm. They also do not take into account deflections and runouts. When I do stuff that has to be really spot on I will take a test cut with a tool to see what it is really cutting. Mostly that happens when I am making things that actually have to fit in aluminum or brass.

Why that is upside down I do not know, I flipped it over and it still insists in being wrong.


And oh yea, NO BITING ALLOWED.