Cutting a .625 slot, not.

[dannysdad]

I have a family of parts that has a .625" width thru slot which I cut with a .625" insertable endmill. I set up my first slot which is 9.125" long and MC cut it in one pass...which is what I wanted. I exported the process to cut a different part with a 7.875" slot, same .625" width. No dice, I got a "Cutter compensation not sucessful" window and it would not process the cut. Same width, same tool...no changes were made with either. I have tried chaining it differently and still nothing. So I changed the dimension of the slot to .62501", and it worked...only it cut down the slot...then back up, two passes...I do NOT want two passes!!

 

Investigation followed. I went back to the original part, which cuts in one pass, deleted the original geometry for the slot and re-drew the EXACT same dimensions. Using the same process, I re-chained the new, EXACT geometry and I got the "Cutter compensation not sucessful" window again. This was on the original, WORKING process with the exact but replaced geometry.

 

I am completely stumped.

 

Thanks in advance

[dannysdad]

BTW...I am running X6

[BOATDUDEGUY]

Try changing the size of the tool in mcam to .62501

[gcode]

draw a line down the center of the slot, chain it and turn comp off

[dannysdad]

boatdudeguy, didnt work...but thanks.

 

gcode...good solution to the problem, it worked but I am still stumped as to why a process that worked before now does not work.

Thanks

[Rotary Ninja]

Maybe you got lucky it even worked the first time. I would have done this using gcode's example from the start. I assume you have your compensation type set to computer and your lead-in and lead-out is off?

[dannysdad]

Rotary Ninja,

Thanks for the input...maybe I did get lucky. But yes, comp set for "computer" and lead-in/off is off.

[Rstewart]

draw a line down the center of the slot, chain it and turn comp off

 

^^^^

 

That's the best way right there.

[kdgrills]

Just chain one side (single line) of the slot, set your comp to computer, done.

Then you don't have to create additional geometry.

 

Lets see how many different ways we can cut a, slot, who's next?

[Rotary Ninja]

Create a rectangle and do a one pass facing toolpath

 

Or how about a point to point. Pick the centers of the arcs.

[djstedman]

Use a 3/8 endmill and trichoidal it .. peel mill ftw..

[kdgrills]

Use a 3/8 endmill and trichoidal it .. peel mill ftw..

 

That's cheatin', not a single pass.

 

Oddly enough there is a slot mill toolpath...

[dannysdad]

Hey kdgrills,

 

I tried that slot mill toolpath when I first got MC5. From what I recall, I had so many problems with it that I never tried using it again.

It has been a while, so I cannot remember what was wrong.

[kdgrills]

Create a surface using the two sides, then use Surface Finish Flowline with the rib cut option.

 

How's that for over complicating it?

[kdgrills]

Hey kdgrills,

 

I tried that slot mill toolpath when I first got MC5. From what I recall, I had so many problems with it that I never tried using it again.

It has been a while, so I cannot remember what was wrong.

 

I actually just now noticed it, while selecting Circle Mill to chamfer some pillar holes.

I've never used it. Don't cut many slots here, when I do I'm most likely gonna helix down

it with a Contour path.

[SledGeek]

pfffft......drill a start hole and wire it. Might as well add some extra cost along with the 10,000 different ways

[kdgrills]

pfffft......drill a start hole and wire it. Might as well add some extra cost along with the 10,000 different ways

 

Hmm, gonna have to order some 0.625 diameter wire.

[Guest]

I always ask the question does a .5000 gage pin fit in a .5000 hole? It does not unless it's a minus pin.

[GoetzInd]

I always ask the question does a .5000 gage pin fit in a .5000 hole? It does not unless it's a minus pin.

 

That's because you're not using a big enough hammer

 

Mike

[gcode]

I always ask the question does a .5000 gage pin fit in a .5000 hole? It does not unless it's a minus pin.

 

soak in dry ice for 20 minutes.. it will fall in ... but you won't get it back

[Rotary Ninja]

This thread has turned into the comedy club.

 

Hmm, gonna have to order some 0.625 diameter wire.

 

kdgrills wins cause that's some funny chit right thar

[Guest]

 

 

soak in dry ice for 20 minutes.. it's will fall in ... but you won't get it back EVER

 

Reality fiss.