So I am running 2 pocket toolpaths with the same bit. I duplicated the first toolpath and the only setting I changed was the stepover from 30% to 5% for the final pass (on the second toolpath).
Issue is that the machine does not follow the exact same path as with the first toolpath. It goes slightly wider for some reason. Am I missing something?
it’s frustrating…
Any possibility the material moved during machining? BTW, is that a cumaru wood? very hard if it is…
By chance did you change your start depth? If so that is why this happened. basically vcarve doesnt think your cutting as deep as you are and the “shape” of your bit allows for it to move closer to the vector because of the curve of the bit.
i have had the same thing happen to me and it is frustrating! Based on Troy’s comment, I wonder if you could set a second pocket pass with starting depth of 0 and finish depth of slightly more than the first pocket, then modify the depth of cut so that it cut in one pass?
you absolutely can - just change your tools “PASS DEPTH” to the full cut depth. make sure you dont save that change to your tool database only the tool path or later down the road you will have a big accident.
Thanks, that was the approach I was thinking about. I’ve been frustrated by this but your comment explained why it was carving outside the previous carve!
What is the corner radius of your bowl bit? If your first toolpath hasn’t cut down to the depth that matches the corner radius, it will still be away from your vector on its final pass. Once you get to the depth of the corner radius, you’ll be cutting at the full bit diameter and should be on your vector line. As you cut deeper, you’ll still be on the line and start having a vertical wall.
Thanks for the heads up. I believe it is 3/16” but I’ll double check it to be sure. It is the bowl bit from Cadence (Cody). I also have the 3/4” from Whiteside and it appears to be around 1/4” radius. Most of the trays I do will be deeper than either of these.
