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sjj530
344 Views, 6 Replies

Toolpath that cuts wider than bit?

I have a hobbyist CNC that is just not rigid enough for some of the operations I want to perform.   For example, if I am cutting out a part, I'll use a 2D Contour toolpath and with multiple steps to mill to the bottom, setting radial stock-to-leave at about 0.5 mm.  I then w run another 2D Contour in a single pass, full depth, with 0 stock-to-leave, as a finishing path.  

 

If the stock is greater than say 25 mm, I get destructive chatter on the finishing pass.   I've played around with speeds and feeds, but haven't hit on a fix.   

 

I'm wondering if there is a toolpath option that will allow me to mill a contour wider than the bit.  I remember I saw something like that once, where the bit described a small spiral as it moved around a contour, but I can't remember the setup.    

 

Any thoughts?  Thanks!