I am a bit confused exactly what you are asking. You have the question: Is it practical to use a single point boring tool for CNC boring?
But then you say; I'd like to just program a boring cycle using a helical toolpath...
Are you thinking about using a single point tool to helically interpolate a bore; in other words using it as if it was a single flute milling cutter?
Or are you planning on boring the hole with a single point tool set to cut the correct hole diameter?
If it is the single point helical interpolation yes you can do it, I have done, but the finish tends to be not very good and it can be slow.
Single point boring using either an adjustable tip boring bar or a boring head gives the fastest and best hole quality. Because you are taking off such a small amount you should be able to do it in a single pass once you have the tip adjusted for the correct diameter. |