Cleaner and more efficient toolpath for sloping faces?

[schoonovermr]

I'm trying to cut out these tapered parts out of 1/2" MDF, and the only way I've successfully done it is with the ramp function and a 1/4" straight bit. This takes about an hour of cutting time with a good bit of cleanup afterwards, and I know there has to be a better way.

I've tried to do it with a modified Whiteside 1550 60* vee bit, and while I was able to get it to mostly work with the trace toolpath on the 30* faces, the longer ~8* face is giving me issues. Also the shortest face is a slight overhang, but a vertical cut there is fine. 

I've attached both versions of the file, thanks in advance for the help!

[dalebank]

Have you tried a 2 bit solution?   Using a 1/4” initial cut followed by a tapered bit for the final cut.    Use the 1/4” for roughing in the pattern with tabs then use the taper for the smoothing eliminating the number of passes by a lot.

[kacper.suchomski]

It depends on what tools you have available (and what you plan to have).

[schoonovermr]

That works pretty well! Is there a better toolpath to use rather than trace? My bit is just a bit too short and leaves a lip on the top edge 

Also is there a better toolpath to use on the 8* face? Trace with the 60* vee bit overcuts, and ramp with the 1/4" straight bit works but it is pretty slow. 

[schoonovermr]

What tools would be ideal? I have a pretty standard collection of router bits with a basic 3-axis CNC.

[programming2C78B]

#1 = A 8* and 30* form tool

#2 = a 1/4 ballnose with a 8% stepover 

#3 = a 1/4 BULLnose 

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#99 - a square end mill with a .003" stepover.

[podging · Accepted solution]

Do you have an 8 degree bit? You can try 3d stitching that 8 degree slope but you are not going to be able to do that with a square bit. Next, you've selected face for the geometry, try selecting silhouette.

Trace gives you a massive amount of control, and that also means that it is a pain to use. For the slope use 2d contour with chamfer. You need 2 passes because the bit isn't big enough to do it 1, so there is some fiddling required. The entry and exit are also gouging so you're going have to fine tune that.

[pkomatlapalli]

Hi @schoonovermr ,

Could you please confirm whether programming2C78B and podging  responses addresses your issue. If yes, please consider marking it as the "Accepted solution" button. Doing so helps other community members quickly identify the most relevant answer and serves as a useful reference for users facing similar issues.

[schoonovermr]

Thanks podging, that was very helpful. I didn't know about the chamfer option within the contour toolpath, and the offset seems to do the trick