Seamingly simple milling operation is driving me nuts!

[HuntleyBill]

I want to mill out the center hole in this model. I have tried a 2d pocket to mill the bigger hole, then another 2d pocket for the smaller/deeper hole. But then, it doesn't mill the champfer. I tried adaptive clearing and that didn't work,

What milling operation should I be doing here? Seems to be straight forward but I'm not getting it.

Thank you for your advise.

Bill

[etfrench]

Add a 2d Contour operation with 2d Chamfer option enabled.  Select the bottom of the chamfer. 

[HuntleyBill]

Thank you for your quick response. Are you saying to ad a 2d contour to what I already have? Or use the first pocket operation and ad the 2d contour in place of the second pocket operation? I'm not sure I fully understand what your suggesting.

Thank you again.

Bill

[HuntleyBill]

is this what you are talking about (see attached)

Also, how do I get the tool to start the second pocket down where the first pocket stopped. Currently, the tool starts at the stock top and cuts air until it gets to the material.

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

You must first select a chamfer end mill as the tool.  Once you do this, the Chamfer option will appear on the Passes tab.

If you don't model the chamfer, you can use the 2d chamfer toolpath.

If you don't have a chamfer end mill, you can use a ball end mill in a 3d toolpath with a very small stepover/stepdown.

The Heights tab allows you to set the Top (starting) height, a negative setting from the stock top will move the tool bit down.  Feed height is where the machine rapids down to before starting the cut, it should be a few thousandths or more above the Top height.  Run the simulation to ensure the Retract height (and path) clears the pocket and any fixtures.

p.s. It's a good idea to run the toolpaths on a piece of scrap until you have confidence in your settings.