Noob could use a hand with a toolpath

[RMagnusson]

So I've been working on creating toolpaths for this lid I've drawn. This is my first MC part, and I've never even seen a mill make a single chip (thats my level of inexperience), so I am having to kinda guestimate my way through this.

 

First, my process: I drew the finished part and having been creating the toolpaths on that. I also drew the rough casting we will be machining from on a different level. I have been using the casting to verify. Is this how I should be doing things so far?

 

I created surfaces from my solid part model to make things 'easier.' About all I really know about MC is that there are ten ways to skin a cat. This seemed easier as there were more toolpath 'tools' to use.

 

One of my problems lies in the oil fill hole on the lid. There is a locating tab for the oil cap and I dont have a clue how to machine it.

 

If anyone would be willing to look at my part I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Any critiques or suggestions about anything would also be well recieved.

 

...Darn, I cant seem to upload to cadcams FTP. It says the server is reset....

 

Thanks for looking,

[Flycut]

Can you email it to me?

[RMagnusson]

You bet. As soon as Yahoo finishes attaching the file ( )it'll be in your box.

 

Thanks!

[RMagnusson]

K. File sent.

[Guest]

Send it on over if you'd like.

 

I'll take a look at it.

[RMagnusson]

I sent you an email, but I dont know how to attach the file as I can't see your email address. Pardon my ignorance.

 

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Machining the face, top & bottom is all easy enough, the corners are what is going to be tough.

 

EDM comes to mind to finish that puppy off.

[RMagnusson]

What's EDM?

 

And you're right. A little more messing around and I got the thing pretty well dug out.

 

I just need to get at the vertical edges. I filleted both of them (the verts of the locator). Maybe I can contour around them and use the lead in/out to avoid cutting off my locator.

 

As always, thanks a ton.