Constrain tool path in 3D

[lee9966]

Is there any way to constrain a toolpath like this so it isn't cutting air half of the time?

Stock and toolpathFinished product

[johnswetz1982 · Accepted solution]

You CAN, but you would have to have 12 sketches for each level you want to use. I would suggest using a bigger tool that way you do not need as many step downs and can take more than a 0.002 step over. 

[lee9966]

Yeah, that is about where I am at.  The real stepdowns/stepovers are even smaller because it is a little wimpy Taig mill cutting carbide blanks to make custom engraving cutters.  I know, the whole project is silly, but it works if I am willing to wait an extra hour while the tool cuts nothing.

Thanks for replying.

I just found toolpath-editing under cam feature flags.  I will try that, it sounds promising.  Then when that feature is finished and ready to release to the general population  it will become part of the Machining Extensions which I cant afford as a hobbyist.