Finishing Passes

[laserpilot]

Hi Guys, this is my first post in this forum.I have watched the 2D Cut tutorials and have been playing with the download now all afternoon. Let me say what a brilliant piece of software.

I would like to know how you guys get around the fact that the Cut 2D software won't do a finish pass, either in pockets or profile cuts. I saw it mentioned about doing 2 passes and just adjusting the spindle speeds and feed rates. What I don't understand is how that gives a finish pass. Won't the rough pass cut the part to the "finished" size anyway. Then when you did the finish pass wouldn't you just be cutting thin air?

Thanks in advance guys, WM

[ger21]

There's not a simple way to do this in Cut2D, but there are at least 2 workarounds.

1) If you did your drawing in another program, offset the profile vectors by whatever amount you want the finish pass to be, then use one vector for roughing, and one for finishing.

2) Create a "roughing" tool in your tooltable with a fake diameter. Say you're using a .25" tool, and want to leave .01" for a finishing pass. Just Tell Cut2D that the tool is .27" diameter, and it will leave .01" for the finishing pass.

V-Carve Pro allows you to to do both methods much easier, having both an offset tool, and an allowance setting on the profile toolpaths to leave material for a finishing pass.

Cut2D is intended as an entry level package, at a much lower price, so doesn't include these tools or options.

[laserpilot]

Thanks, I thought it was going to be something like that. I have also found in the past if you do a standard cut with a 2 flute, then do another pass with a 4 flute using the exact same file, but slowing down the feed and increasing the RPM that it will shave off just a smidgen giving a much better finish.
I will try both of the above suggestions.

Also then; is there a workaround to be able to rapid the z down to just a few mm above the work surface, then have the plunge slow right down to the preset plunge speed as it enters the work surface. ( Maybe I should just go download the V Carve demo)

It's just I love the simplicity of this programme. I went from importing a drawing to a finished part in no more than an hour.

[ger21]

Also then; is there a workaround to be able to rapid the z down to just a few mm above the work surface, then have the plunge slow right down to the preset plunge speed as it enters the work surface.

Not that I'm aware of.