Fusion Fun with Form Tools

[M&GToolWorks]

Fis for Fun

One of my major frustrations has always been Fusions handling of form tools. I was super excited when the whole "form tool" bit was released. Except that I oftentimes have to try again, and again, and again, to get a form tool that actually WORKS correctly in the software. Chalk it up to my ignorance. I can draw up the form too, revolve it, and have an exact 3D representation in a short period of time. Make up the drawing for the cutter grinder and done. 

Except I cannot use it to program and see an accurate representation of what the part will look like. 

It is frustrating because it is pretty normal for me. I seem to have a form cutter at least every other job. The current job I am working on has 3. One of them works. 

Well, I had a whole bunch more typed, but when I posted, it "failed authentication" so... 

https://a360.co/2Ud5fBi

[seth.madore]

Yeah, f is for fun....   😉

[M&GToolWorks]

Wait wait WAIT! 

What did you do to get the profile selected with the radius?! 

I tried 10 different ways of selecting to tool profile and it WILL NOT let me select the tool radius? It automatically boxes out the radius?

That is why I left the tool it created in the file, to show that it doesn't recognize the radius! 

[M&GToolWorks]

Wow, I spent almost 20 minutes (or more) last night trying to select the profile. 

Pulled it up just now, and poof, selected the profile exactly as it shows. 

[seth.madore]

I.....don't know. I hate it when things can't be reproduced....

[M&GToolWorks]

Ever gotten a hollow mill to work? 

[seth.madore]

No, but I've also never had reason to try. What are you doing and what are you looking to accomplish? Literally a hollow mill? I suspect that is going to be FingerCAM..

[M&GToolWorks]

What?! You don't have to make these to machine the parts you make 🙂 

I use a drilling cycle, but when I simulate them, well, you can guess. 

I use these for speed and accuracy. This tool clears a .130 slot .625 deep, the inside boss stands up ~1.250. I can rough with an undersize tool, or plow an 1/8" tool in. Then come in and skim cut, one pass with one ground to finish size. 

Depending on time/cost/cycle time I'll use an endmill, sometimes I make a undersize "rougher". Current job I am using an 1/8" endmill because they are about $8 for a good one that holds up. Cycle time to bore the slot is about 14min. Still cheaper than making another rougher. 

Oh! And it's interrupted too! 😄