Help with toolpaths & tooling

[kprice1658]

This is my 1st design to mill - so I'd like to get it close to being right. Can I get some suggestions on the toolpaths and tooling to use to do it the right way? I need to get this done so I can see what changes I need to make for the post processor. I'm thinking that you use like a 1/4" to take out most of the material then touch up with an 1/8" ball endmill ?

Learning like Crazy!!

Kevin

[JIMMY]

What are you cutting? Is it steal, or aluminum. what size. I could help you if you need but I need a little information.

[kprice1658]

Its aluminum - 6061. The actual mold will have 4 cavities - but I wanted to have something to test and learn with. I wasn't sure what tooling I will need, so I just got some 1/4", 1/8" and even a couple of 1/16" ball end miils. Also have a set of 2 & 4 fluted end mills. After the cuts are finished - there will be grooves/rings cut in - like a worm has. I was told that it would be easier to just have them tooled in by using a over-step instead of having to draw them in the CAD drawing.

Just getting started - and have spent most of the last two weeks learning the CAD - now getting to the CAM part.

I will making mostly fishing molds for hand poured plastics. Most of the molds will be 4-6 cavities and single plate molds. I will also need to do some 2 piece molds once I get the basics figured out.

Attached is a picture of what the piece looks like.

Thanks,
Kevin

[kprice1658]

I have tried starting with 1/4" Surface Rough pocket, then Surface Contour with an 1/8 - followed by Surface Finish leftover. There is still a lot of material left to mill out.

Any help with this ?

Kevin