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Author Topic: 3D tool-path software for milling with discs instead of cylindrical tools?  (Read 2112 times)

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Offline ger21

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The quote is correct, but it doesn't say you can create a saw blade tool.

Another issue with a saw blade is that the toolpath needs to be aligned with the blade, sort of like a tangential knife. But you can only make straight cuts. I've seen this done in videos, and I think it was with a 5 axis machine.
Gerry

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http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Hi Gerry,
I was able to make a 'saw blade' profile with Mastercam, but you are right... I had a battle trying to convince Mastercam to
generate a tool path for such a tool. I did get it to work but I had to write bits of Gcode to get the 'blade' into and out of the workpiece.

I think the correct term is 're-entrant shaped tool', thus by retracting in Z axis alone causes a crash.

I am very in-expert in CAM of any description but re-entrant tooling is a challenge.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'

Offline Frank1959

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thanks guys,

Ger, when you say "Another issue with a saw blade is that the toolpath needs to be aligned with the blade, sort of like a tangential knife...."
But isn't any tool path ALWAYS  aligned with the tool?? Or  is it a case of the tool path being aligned with the spindle axis, which is the same axis as a cylindrical tool, but with a disc, the tool path would be  at 90º to the spindle axis.  Maybe  I am  getting confusing (or the subject starts to get confusing for me ; - (

Also, you mention "But you can only make straight cuts." For roughing out material, the cuts could be "straight" in say X or Y axis, but they would obviously need to follow the relief of the 3D form in the Z axis.


And lastly you mention , "I've seen this done in videos, and I think it was with a 5 axis machine.". Yes, here´s one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GQmgyviNRU  , a Chinese machine, which interestingly combines a disc AND a milling tool in the same tool holder.

 Both ALPHACAM (British i think)  and PEGASUS CADCAM (Italian) are stone CAM programs that use discs to rough out. But, we are talking about prohibitive prices.....

I´m investigating if BOBCAD can do this, as a reasonably priced alternative....any user out there happy with it? And also, Rhino+Madcam...both seem under what ALPHACAM  costs.

thanks!

Offline ger21

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I doubt that BobCAD can do it, and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I'm pretty sure that only the very high end programs will be able to do this.

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But isn't any tool path ALWAYS  aligned with the tool??

There is no alignment with a typical spindle. You can cut in any direction. With a sawblade, you can only cut in the direction the blade is aligned with.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline Frank1959

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gotcha,thanks

f