Need Help!- Poor surface finish

[pmsmichelle]

I was able to create and cut a contour of it but the finish wasn't what I anticipated? I used a ball end cutter but ended up with ridges between cuts. What am I not doing correct? Am using 9.1
Thanks in advance.
Mike

[78nova]

Sounds like from what you described that your step-over amount is too large creating the ridges you referred to. Depending on the size of the tool, you can only step over a small amount so your cuts overlap a little to prevent excess material being left behind.

[ObrienDave]

I agree, your stepover value is too large for the radius of the cutter.
For roughing, I used 1/4 to 1/8 the diameter.
For finishing, 1/10 to 1/20 the diameter.
Even smaller on a few pieces for some medical parts I made a few years ago.