Help with parallel tool path

[ashes.man]

I had a bit of a battle tonight trying to get a parallel tool path to machine the slot area in the picture below.  This is my first real go at 3D tool paths so would appreciate some advice.  The slot is being machined OK for this application, I just can't seem to make it also finish the circled wall.  The other wall gets machined.  I am OK with the remaining bit in the corner due to tool radius, but need the vertical walls finished.

Any ideas how to do this?  I am open to better toolpath suggestions.   Model attached (setup 2, parrallel tool path).

[a.laasW8M6T · Accepted solution]

Hi

Have a look at the video and file for a few ideas to try

When you upload the file do it in a new folder as it will upload duplicates of all the linked files

[podging]

That slot has 3 surfaces: a flat floor, an angle, and the walls. They should all be dealt with separately. The walls can be done using the 3d contour toolpath, the floor can be done with the 3d flat, and the angle can be done with whatever.

The 3d parallel toolpath is meant for cutting with the tip of the tool, it shouldn't be touching the wall here which is one of the reasons that you had so much trouble with it. If you did want to torture the toolpath so it will cut both walls, the problem is in your stepover. The slot is 13mm, the endmill is 6mm, and you have a 2mm stepover. So the effective range the endmill has to move is 7mm and the stepover just needs to be a multiple of that.

[ashes.man]

Thankyou so much for the detailed video.  I already watched it twice and will step through again slowly as I change some of the surfacing tool paths as you suggested.  There is a seriously large amount of good feedback there.  So much to learn!  Unfortunately, I can't use geodesic as is a subscription restricted tool path, but still see there is plenty of room for improvement there even without it.  I also need to change to a larger ball nose end mill too as will be there all day with that little one!

[ashes.man]

Thanks.  I had tried changing the stepover, but for some reason didn't think to make it an exact multiple.  Seems obvious now!