Very new to edgecam

[abr5]

Originally Posted by helix77 very are several ways to machine this part... if it isnt to long (dimensions would be nice)...then you can side (peripheral) mill the profile using 2d toolpathes..if the part in longer than a few inches..then 3d contouring maybe the anwser (with multiple setups)...and if longer than that and for ease of setup (but more programming) 4D might be the way to go.... if your teacher isnt teaching you this...get a differant one...and if you are jumping ahead of your ciriculum...you might want to think about staying with the rest of the pack until all of the basics have been covered including but not limited to safty..and job planning...then you can take off... but unless you know the basics of being a machinist..it could be dangerous for you..

It isn't covered in the High School courses. I have used CNC's many times and know all of the safety aspects of it. A new teacher isn't really an options without going to Cornell to take courses which I cannot afford.

I would like to do it with 3d contouring so I can learn how to do it.

[inflateable]

The thing is, that isn't an easy job. It doesn't look it, I know, but it's a complex shape. You're looking at using ballnose cutters (assuming it's fairly big) or custom tools (assuming it's fairly small), difficult work holding. probably more than 3 axis or at least some tricky setups between ops...basically, there's a fair bit more to machining that job than just generating some code and running the cutter over it which is why you're getting a few hesitant replies - we're scared you're going to chuck it in a mill and press the green button and cause some damage - to yourself and the machine! :-) I don't mean to patronise, you might well know what you're doing, but we don't know that. Put it this way, I know a few jobshops that would refuse to quote it as it's too complex to be worth their while.

Are you actually intending to make the part? Or are you just trying to get some code out for the exercise?

Originally Posted by abr5 It isn't covered in the High School courses. I have used CNC's many times and know all of the safety aspects of it. A new teacher isn't really an options without going to Cornell to take courses which I cannot afford. I would like to do it with 3d contouring so I can learn how to do it.

[helix77]

yup... you can 3d it.... use the paralell lace cycle... you will need to rotate it a couple of times... HOW BIG IS THE PART?????...
dont misunderstand my meaning of basics.... safty is first and foremost... but i also mentioned job planning... which is exactly what you are asking of us...to plan this out for you... all i am saying is that... if you are'nt experianced enough to plan and program this correctly...you might need someone (maybe an experianced teacher) to look over your shoulder...no offense but... i wrecked a few parts myself doing 3d contourng wrong