CAM strategy for Z angles

[robpage]

I'm creating my first toolpaths for a guitar build but the heel of the neck has some angles and I can't figure out how to cut them.  The 2d Contour I used only cuts straight down, it isn't following the angle.  I suspect it's either the wrong strategy or I need to select the geometry differently but darned if I can figure it out.  Any help? Thx

[robpage]

here's an .f3d that shows the problem I'm having.

[matthewrjacobs]

There might be a way to do this with 2D Contour,  but you should really be using a 3D toolpath.  I'd try 3d Contour first

[jahnj0584]

wrong toolpath. 2D only follows one set of contours to cut. You'll want to use parallel or scallop on the 3 sides to surface in that angle.

Are you CNCing the neck pocket? I've built a few dozen guitars and never once put the angle into the neck...Just route your neck pocket with the angle required to get the height for your bridge, or do the easier thing and recess the TOM.

[robpage]

Thanks guys, yeah, I tried the 3D parallel and scallop first couldn't figure out—still can't—how to make the cutter run up/down the vertical surface of the back of the heel.  No matter what geometry I select it tries to scallop the horizontal surfaces.  Clearly there's a way to do it but it's been eluding me for about 48 hours...

@jahnj0584 I build some of my guitar necks a little differently.

[robpage]

I was able to get to this yesterday using scallop but no matter how I fiddle with geometry, touch faces, heights, etc, I just can't get it to cut the back face.

[matthewrjacobs]

If you attach the file it will be a lot easier to diagnose

[robpage]

I posted one of essentially the same thing in post 2 above. Thx!

[matthewrjacobs]

Indeed you did post it.  I'll check it out when I get home

[matthewrjacobs · Accepted solution]

The model you attached only has the 2D contour not the other toolpaths you were having problems with.   but this is pretty much a bone stock 3D toolpath.  The only setting I had to change was "tool outside" in  tool containment.

[robpage]

Matthew I can't thank you enough! I fiddled with that forever and somehow missed that one stupid thing. (Isn't that always the way: it's one stupid thing...) Working great now. Much appreciated!