how to start a pocket by plunging on a specific point

[awjareme]

I have some non-center cutting end mills that I would like to pocket with. The pockets are completely through the material. I would like to drill a hole at a point (bigger than the endmill) then plunge at this point and begin the pocket. I always use the dynamic mill option.  I can only find a spot for entry chain which has me select a chain to start at, if I pick a point I get an error. I have resorted to making a really small chain inside my drilled hole and let the end mill helically plunge in this area. The other option is to make the pocket first, use the plunge option under entry and back plot to see where mastercam plans on plunging, then make a toolpath in front of this operation and place my hole there. Is there a better way to do this?

[Manofwar]

Draw a circle the size of your drill and where it starts. Then define that chain as an air region. It should pick this point automatically as long as the hole is large enough, and the entry page info is set correctly.

[scottvan]

There is also a "start hole" program.

[awjareme]

Ok, the air region suggestion works, although a little off center there was still plenty of room around the end mill. Thanks

under plunging and helical entry there is a "center on point" option that is available. I tried this and nothing. Any idea what this is for?

Also I tried the start hole program, never seen that before until now and that worked as well, thank you. Although sometimes if im using hss drills, a center drill first is nice, but I guess I can just copy the operation before and add a center drill

[Justin Beebe at Folsom Tool]

When I use 2D Highspeed and want  the tool to plunge at a certain point I do the following:

1. Chain my machining region

2. Chain my entry point under entry chain

3. Select plunge only under entry method

4. Select center on point

 

Not sure why you are getting an error.  Make sure you have the point chaining option selected when you chain you entry point.

[cam-eleon]

Set helix rad entry in dynamic pocket to "0". Then use the drill start hole op to create an operation to drill. Keep the circle as it will mark the start location of the pocket and you can delete the drill start op and make your own drill op if you want.

[CJep]

In Mcam 2019 you can set the entry to plunge only then select an entry point.

 

[awjareme]

Ok, after a re-boot this a.m. and creating new geometry, I tried the route of using the "center on point" option and bingo. I don't know what I was doing wrong yesterday but I would get errors constantly. Also looks like there is several ways to accomplish plunging at a specific point. Thanks guys this little thing will save me some time