Originally Posted by tangocc35  Hi Everyone:
I'm confused about the need to use "Stepover" when programming a "Profile" tool path. In my current CAM program it's called "Contour" and all I do is plunge 50% of my Cutter Diameter until I'm through the material. Like 4 cuts of .125 for a .5 piece of "Baltic Birch". All the tool does is descend .125 for 4 consecutive passes. With VCarve I have to enter a "Stepover" value for the same operation. Now if I were to do a "Pocket" I would need "Stepover".
John |
Hi John,
The Stepover is not used (thanks Gerry and Dave) when cutting with any of the Profile Machining options - the toolpaths are simply offset for the tool radius / shape.
You need to
Edit the Pass Depth to create multiple Z level passes - using your example of cutting through 1/2" material with a Pass Depth = 0.125 " will result in 4 passes.
The Stepover parameter is visible in the Tool Database because any of the cutters may be used for Profile, Pocketing, Engraving etc.
I hope this makes sense and helps,
Tony