Originally posted by mlinder
I guess one drawback to programming this way is that if I break my very last "x" diameter tool, I have to go back to MasterCAM and recreate the code for a different tool. |
Mark--
I program to the centerline of the tool instead of using the tool diameter. That way the toolpath is the same no matter what size of cutter you are using. Then in the control's cutter comp just use the actual size of the cutter as the offset. If you break your last 5/8 end mill jsut throw in a 1/2", change the offset and go!
You must watch out for lead in/lead out values if you are going to use a larger tool than originally planned for and stuff like that but under normal circumstances there is rarely a problem.