Profile a 3-D shape?

[tamathumper]

Is there any way to run a profile around a shape once the finish pass has been run?

I know the roughing pass runs a profile around certain sections once its complete, but I wonder if it's also possible to do it after my finish pass?

I'd also like to be able to run a limited finish pass with a finer bit, but it would take forever to do this entire 4'x6" piece, so I'd like to just do it in a few key spots? Is that possible?

[inventall]

I do not know the answer to either of the questions you asked but I would also be interested to here if they are possible as I am looking at purchasing.

Thanks, Pete

[GripUs]

Hi Tama,
What you are looking for is called "rest machining" and has been discussed a good bit on the forum in the past. If you do a search for "rest maching" there is some very good information on how to do it.

You might start here as it is the most recent discussion.

Good luck with your project and be sure to share some pictures when you are finished.

Joe

[jhegel]

Prior to rest machining I have created a vector around the area that I wanted to machine with the smaller bit and created another finish tool path. As long as you get your Z set the same as the original finish tool path it should work out.

[tamathumper]

Thank you all, I apologize for being such a noob.

Now that I know what it's called, I'll do the appropriate searches and studies.

You're the best!

[Rcnewcomb]

I used that technique on this project.

Most of the carving was done with a 1/4" ballnose bit however I did some work around the edges of the rings with a 1/16" ballnose bit. It kept the edges nice and crisp and was well worth the extra 20 minutes of machine time.