SURFACE FINISH FLOWLINE

[RustyG]

I am attempting to surface a chamfer using a bullnose endmill due to lack of reach with our normal chamfer tools. I don't use this method much and I need helping extending the cut path beyond the actual surface so I get a smooth surface. If I just pick the chamfer mastercam seems to stop the cutter at the bottom of the chamfer leaving a step at the bottom of whatever the radius of the tool is. I believe this is adjusted in gap settings but again I am not too familiar with this toolpath. 

[cncworker]

Hi Rusty,

I use surface flowline quite a bit.  Try using the Extend command under the Surfaces tab.  When you pick the surface to extend, you have to place the arrow where you want to extend that part of the surface.  It sounds like you need to place the arrow at the bottom of the chamfer surface.  

[cruzila]

Gap settings yes but it only extends in the direction of flow. I use z depths sometimes to keep the first cut in material if starting at the top or from going too far in depth. I prefer going the long way on surfaces if possible. Otherwise, make a surface and extend it. I have had great success just using the solid model and a correctly defined bull nose. Also the machine settings have to be spot on.

[RustyG]

Thanks guys, I ended up creating a surface that was .060 larger each way of my existing chamfer. Worked like a charm!!