Allowing for Stepover
Is it NOT possible to cut a 1/4" slot with a 1/4" ball end mill end (because of stepover allowance)? The attached error (from VCarve Pro) will not allow the next step of creating toolpaths, but this does not happen when I choose a 1/8" mill end. I would like to be able to remove more material at a time (no prob for the StepCraft 500w spindle), instead of multiple passes with the smaller end mill. I can accept an answer of "have more patience", but I won't be happy. Thanks all.
Draw a vector down the center of your slot and use a profile cut, ON the vector.
If you want to use a pocket toolpath, make the slot slightly larger, like 0.255".
Gerry
UCCNC 2017 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html
Gerry, your second suggestion is exactly as I had suspected. Apparently, even using a 1/8 diameter bit won't work without the extra "slop", because the software won't allow a zero Stepover. Because my entire toolpath followed the outside of the drawing, I hadn't thought of your first suggestion - right on the line. I am going to try this with a 1/4" ballnose. Thank you very much.
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