topic Re: Rats Nest toolpath in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Rats Nest toolpath

Doubletop_ — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:38:23 GMT

I was expecting a qucik solition, but far from it, I have spent most of the day on this simple job. I am trying to create a section of brick wall on to a sheet of 4mm plywood. I am using 2D Pocket to generate the toolpath but it keeps jumping all over the job without any obvious reason.

Any clues or suggestions please? .f3d Attached

Pete

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

kacper.suchomski — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:45:01 GMT

You can use patterns.

Create simple paths (2D Contour or Trace) for two long edges and seven short edges, then duplicate them in the pattern.

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

Doubletop_ — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:22:40 GMT

I do vaguely remember something about patterns machining multiple instances of the same object but for now I would like to understand what is happening with the model I have drawn.

I tried the 2D contour on my existing model to see what would happen and that appears to be cutting inside the "bricks" rather than outside the bricks where the mortar/cement would be.

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

kacper.suchomski — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:39:41 GMT

The model is fine. The only thing worth noting are the non-standard slot sizes, which require the use of a dedicated cutter or changing the parameters.

You can easily manage processing by selecting appropriate options in the dialog box.

Large contour:

(view in My Videos)

Small contours:

(view in My Videos)

Sample patterns:

(view in My Videos)

A small note - in a large contour it is a good idea to change outer corner mode to sharp corner to ensure that all material is removed in the process.

(view in My Videos)

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

Doubletop_ — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:42:47 GMT

@kacper.suchomski

Kacper

This was fantastic thank you! I have learned something very useful as well as reminding me of Patterns

The reason that the slots were not standard sizes was the way I was doing it when I had the tool the same size as the slots it didn't generate any toolpath for some of the slots. I thought it was something to do with some tool compensation. I couldn't find what it was so tricked it by making the slot slightly bigger.☹️

Thanks again

Pete

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

kacper.suchomski — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:51:31 GMT

You can also change one pattern to avoid unnecessary movements and optimize processing time at no cost.

(view in My Videos)

Re: Rats Nest toolpath

Doubletop_ — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:15:03 GMT

Kacper

Thank you again. All very useful information

Pete