3-Axis Machine with double headed aggregate

[camelocolca]

Hello! 

We are a small furniture shop, that operates a Techno LC series 3-Axis machine that we have used for about 15 years. We have started utilizing Fusion 360 for modeling and tool paths. Our shop has always used a double headed aggregate  to do mortise and tenon work. 

In our last program, we would create the tool path geometry from scratch, at the correct offset from the part (different offsets for both sides of the aggregate) 

We are hoping to simplify this process for fusion 360, and use tool orientation, which I think will require a modification to our post, as our machine only has 3-axis abilities. 

I am new to editing posts, but excited and willing to learn, and have some peers who know javascript and are willing to help me get the code right. I would love a little feedback on what modifications I would need to make to our post.

The double aggregate head would always be oriented to be parallel with the Y axis. Each side would have a different offset, which would need to be updated as we change cutters (happens relatively infrequently) 

[seth.madore]

I apologize, we don't have any publicly available posts that support aggregate heads. My best advice is to reach out to one of our channel partners and see if they can assist you (which they most certainly should be able to). 

However, it's possible that another community member may come along with some valid pointers.

[camelocolca]

Thanks Seth! Im hoping to gain some insight into editing the post myself. It will likely be over my head - but I would like to understand a bit more about it. having some sample code to see that pertains to this issue would be a great help. 

I have to say - it's surprising to me that Fusion does not have native solutions for aggregate tool paths. Putting the onus on each individual fusion 360 customer to find a reseller to create a custom post is challenging to those of us who are trying to decide if fusion 360 is the right platform for their operation. Is this something that Autodesk is doing any development on? 

[seth.madore]

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@camelocolca wrote:

I have to say - it's surprising to me that Fusion does not have native solutions for aggregate tool paths. 

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The reality is though; development for Fusion Manufacture has long been focused on meeting the needs of the metalworking industry. While there is some crossover into the woodworking field (a toolpath is a toolpath), there hasn't been very much focus on supporting anything outside the realm of that.

I'm sure that, over time, Fusion development will likely examine these areas, but it's probably not in the short term future.

I'll ping one of the post developers and see if they could shed some insight into what one needs to implement to support aggregate heads

[Engineering3M3X4E]

Then Autodesk should not be adding wood working extensions, or touting that Fusion is a valid program to use for woodworking.  If Autodesk is not going to provide the tools and support needed for an industry, then don't advertise you do, and woodworkers will stick with the software providers that will instead.

The work around to use saws and not having support for aggregates makes the program mostly a waste of time.  Why pay for or use fusion if we are going to be forced to use another program for operations that Autodesk doesn't feel like getting around too.  If we have to go to another program, waste time on increased the material handling, setting up fixtures, and programming parts in another program, why use Fusion in the first place and not just use the other software?  It boogles the mind on how the response from Autodesk, is always : we might get to it one day, just not anytime soon.  Meanwhile, most of us will probably just use a different software and recommend others to not waste time and money on Fusion.  No one wants a half supported, thought out, or implemented software solution.