Lathe Toolpaths/External Groove Toolpaths

[n_tydingco]

I am again in need of your expertise with regard to generating groove toolpaths. I have a simple part with a thread relief near the back shoulder that is .050" wide at the root and has the right wall of the part at 30 degrees (end of the thread).

 

I have tried two methods of approaching this toolpath. 1. Using the GROOVE/CHAIN method and 2. Using the FINISH toolpath method with the PLUNGE PARAMETERS set to follow the chained contour and using the WIDTH OF THE TOOL to calculate the start of the plunge.

 

Both have failed. Since I had to draw a custom tool to represent the Thinbit holder and insert that we are using, I suspect that the tool may be causing the problem. However, when I experimented with a larger groove (same shape), the toolpath came out correct using method #2.

 

I am unable to post the files to the FTP site, but will be happy to e-mail the part and tool file to anyone interested.

 

Thanks.

[Reece L Gibson]

Send it on!

[n_tydingco]

Millturn, Thanks for the response. The files are on their way!

[P_Scott]

N_tydingco,

 

Send them to me as well and I will be happy to look them over. Custom tools can cause problems if they are not drawn correctly. Examine the regular tools in the library by File-Get in the Tools folder and take note of the colors and other common parameters. All of the tools should be drawn with separate, closed contours, for both insert shape and holder shape. Even if it's a single shape for the tool. HTH