Help picking the right toolpath

[eisenmanguitars]

Can I get a recommendation on the toolpaths to use for this rosette?  I'd like to machine the ring separately, because I believe I can use a bigger bit (.313") and save time.  I'm using a .4mm flat nose on the smaller rectangle-ish portions to get the most detail.  But I want to cut one big circle instead of a bunch of circle segments, to minimize any hand work as the pockets between the circle and the shapes meet.  I've tried the circle toolpath, but can't get it to machine where I want.  

Side note:  I can't seem to erase my bodies (inlay pieces) and expose the bottom of the pocket to select it instead.  When I erase the bodies, the whole thing just goes away, not revealing a pocket or void in the stock...its like it just didn't exist.  Why is that?

Thank you big brains!

[programming2C78B]

Your file is a mess of Bodies. You should consider modelling only one section of this rosette and using a Pattern to do the rest. 

you dont even have any pockets in your model, just Bodies sitting in place

Extrude cut an actual circle into this and select it for your toolpath. Then do a 2d contour on a SINGLE pocket and pattern it.

[eisenmanguitars]

I'll look into that

[eisenmanguitars]

So, go back to my sketch, erase everything but one set of shapes

Extrude the ring first

then extrude the rectangles big and small

then make them a pattern

then the toolpaths will work?

[programming2C78B · Accepted solution]

If done correctly, yes