Cutting a dado/slot

[Stephen]

In Router I have a simple rectangular part(1" thick) that has a dado cut that is 3/4" wide and 1/2" deep through the middle of the part. What is the simplest way to put a tool-path on this using a 1/4" bit? I want the bit to completely move off the part on both ends like a facing tool-path. I was trying to avoid drawing extra geometry to make a closed rectangle which would work fine, but would require extra drawing work. MC doesn't recognize a pocket that consists of two parallel lines with the ends open. Since dado's are very common with router programming I figured there has to be a simple way to take a cad drawing into MC and not have to draw a bunch of boundaries to define the slot.

 

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[themachinist]

Just define a rectangle and use that as your pocket geometry. It took a lot longer to write this post than it would have to create a line between two points.

 

You could also use a contour with two chains.

[brandon b]

I have never used the router part of mc,but can you use the 2d blend toolpath?

 

In mill you can just select the 2 lines and it will create passes in between those areas. I think there's an extend entry/exit moves too

[Stephen]

Themachinist you are right it did take longer to write the post than draw a few lines, but this is an ongoing task for dozens of different parts. CAD/CAM is about doing things efficiently by removing repetitive time consuming tasks in my opinion.

 

Brandon, that worked great especially with the extended moves. It plowed down the center with a clean-up pass on each wall. Is there a way to keep the tool down during the 3 passes? I didn't see a check box for keep tool down.

 

Thanks!

[brandon b]

I'm sure there is. Sorry I don't have access to mc today.

 

I think the" middle passes" all stay down then it retracts up for each finish pass?

[brandon b]

If not play with the linking parameters. .

[#Rekd™]

You can use a contour and chain each line so you have 2 chains. Use lead in/lead out. If not extend the lines using the trim function. Use multiple passes to get the desired result.

 

You could also use the open pocket option if you have 3 lines to chain.

[kunfuzed]

Facing toolpath with 0% across over lap?

[Thad]

You can use a contour and chain each line so you have 2 chains. Use lead in/lead out. Use multiple passes to get the desired result.

 

 

+1