Newbie- simple chamfer - please help

[jewells]

This isn't the entire piece, I've made it simple so I could get past this problem. I think I've tried every chaining combination, so maybe my problem isn't here. But I still don't know what to use--wireframe, 3D, Face, edge??? How do I learn when each is used? The "?" and related help doesn't help much.

I've also tried so many settings in the Contour settings page that I am just lost now because nothing has worked yet.

When verified, I can get the tool to follow the chain around the part, but usually along the top or bottom edge, and never actually cutting the chamfer. I've manually set a depth, but I don't think that is right either.

Please help, I have several hours into trying to get this chamfer figured out! I figured it was good for learning but now I am about ready to give up thinking that I can learn Mastercam on my own if I can't learn something this simple. How embarrassing!

[dpark1]

What kind of tool are you wanting to cut with? If its a chamfer tool, then a simple chain will work, if your using a bullnose or ball then you would need to use a surface tool path.

[jewells]

Originally Posted by dpark1 What kind of tool are you wanting to cut with? If its a chamfer tool, then a simple chain will work, if your using a bullnose or ball then you would need to use a surface tool path.

Yep, chamfer tool. Pretty dumb, huh? The tool rides along the chain, either on top or to the side depending on my settings, but not even close to where it should be to cut a chamfer. Manually putting in negative z and offsets is the only way I got it to work.

I need some Mastercam training--this is not productive at all.

[Superman]

Wireframe chamfering
2D or 3D chamfering must be selected in the contour type, the options button will darken allowing you to enter that area,
Chamfer size is the amount of material to be removed from the intersection profile of the selected contours and the depth plane

Using your picture in the 1st post
version#1
the contour to select is the contour making the sharp edge before the chamfer is applied
Top of stock = the contour Z height
Depth = the contour Z height
version#2
the contour to select is the profile making the outer edge ( or lower edge) of the chamfer. You can select wireframe or "solid edges" for the profile
Top of stock = the upper edge of the chamfer
Depth = the upper edge of the chamfer

the same for both
Chamfer options - set a size ( say 0.010" ) and set the tooltip to extend past distance ( say 0.040" )

You should verify OK, the code should output a path that puts your tooltip to cut 0.050" ( 0.01 + 0.04 ) deeper than your depth setting

Also note that the tool definition must be set correctly, spotdrills usually are drawn sharp pointed ( never use a drill or spotdrill for chamfering operation keep all your spotdrills defined as Chamtools
any tool that has a "Base Diameter" and "Tool angle" can be used

but note these sizes must be quite close or oversize to allow comping in to finish size
ie a new spotdrill- base diameter = 0.05",
but when re-sharpened a few times may end up as 0.08" = 0.03" bigger on Ø which means you have "overcut" the chamfer by 0.015" ( read this as 'stuffed the job' if the chamfers were critical )

[Derek Goodwin]

Superman provided a thorough writeup, but since I was already working on it, I'll post this up anyway. As Superman pointed out, wireframe is the way to go, but you can pick geometry from your solid:

Select loop, and pick your first edge.






Pick chamfer from the contour type. The chain, that I chose is around the inside edge of the chamfer, so I don't want to increase the chamfer width. I entered .001 as the chamfer width (cheated it)

Make sure your tip offset is sufficient to allow the point of the tool to be below the bottom edge of the chamfer.



Backplot in the front or side view to make sure the tool is making contact.



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[jewells]

That is extremely helpful--thank you both!