Create T-Slot Cutter

[rsreed]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is a bug within the tool creation module or something I'm just not getting, but when I try to create a custom t-slot cutter everything goes correctly as long as I don't try to edit the "shaft" tab settings.

ie: If the neck of the cutter was the same diameter as the shaft, the cutter displays somewhat properly. (fist screen shot) But on a cutter that has a .35" neck diameter and a .5" shaft diameter, if I use the "shaft diameter" setting in the "cutter" tab and set it to .35" and then try to set the "upper diameter" setting in the "shaft" tab, the display of the cutter increases the neck diameter. (shown in the 3rd & 4th screen shots). And, once I add a setting to the "shaft tab", it doesn't matter what number is entered into the "shaft diameter" on the "cutter" tab. I can enter 8" or .01" but the display doesn't change. So the simulation won't be accurate around the shaft.

Normally for a t-slot operation this shouldn't cause issue, since you would cut a groove first using a straight mill and then cut the t-slot. So as long as the "neck" of the t-slot cutter is long enough it wouldn't collide with the groove. This only really matters when the tolerances are tight (deeper t-slot) as I don't want to collide with the stock when cutting the slot.

[a.reissig]

but you can do that.

you need to set the same length for shoulder and flute length

you can modify it inside the shaft tap

 

not as comfortable but it works

regards Alexander

[seth.madore]

That method that you show is correct.