Trouble finding appropriate toolpath

[eisenmanguitars]

I'm attempting to manufacture this piece (vacuum pod) but I cannot find a toolpath that will cut the part out, as well as machine all the faces/surfaces/carve the dang thing.  Is there one toolpath that will do both?  If so, what?  If not, what then?  Thank you!

[a.laasW8M6T · Accepted solution]

Hi

There is no magical "One toolpath" to rule them all.

you have roughing toolpaths, Adaptives and pocketing, that should only be used for roughing(although you can finish with 2D Pocket, I wouldn't do it with the others.

And then finishing toolpaths like 2D contour etc.

For your example you would first rough out with 3D Pocket with stock to leave turned on, 

then follow up with a 2D Contour for the outside.

you could use a bunch of 2D contours for all the inner details but the Flat toolpath is pretty good at automatically identifying and machining all these areas.

I don't know what material you are machining but 5000rpm is awfully slow for a 1/8" cutter

[eisenmanguitars]

Thank you for your response. So you are saying I should first do 3D pocket to rough everything out, leave some stock- to be taken later with the flat toolpath.  Then I used a 2D contour to cut the outside shape?  I am cutting acrylic with a zero flute.  My RPMs is actually on the router, but I appreciate your note that 5,000 is too slow.  What speed would you suggest?

[programming2C78B · Accepted solution]

you'll want to run max speed, and a chip of .001-.003 on the finish. Depends how rigid your machine is and if looks matter. Any lower and it'll usually start to melt. 


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hjarQ0--yzo