Pocked TP going over area already cleared?

OK Please be nice.

I have noticed when setting up pocket clears with multiple sized end tools. that the smaller tool goes over the same area that the bigger one has already cleared. Causing longer run times. I use the minimum amount of input when setting up the tool so is there something more I need to be setting? Is this just something that I have to accept?

Thank you.
Wayne

ok i have not figured out how to attach pictures
I put 3 pictures and circled the most obvious place this is happing.

  1. 1 1/2" tool clear
  2. 1/16" tool clear
  3. both tools

This screen shot is from a hold down fixture
Theres 3 toolpaths covering the same space.
If I was worried about the air cut, I’d change the start depth (top right of the screen)

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Hi Wayne - you didn’t mention which CAM package you are using. Generally what you want is called rest milling or rest machining on the second tool path. You have to tell the second tool path that some material was cleared with a different bit before hand. It will compute what was removed and then only remove the leftover bits.

Hope this helps.

-Tom

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I have the OF Journeyman and I use Aspire 10.5

and i figured how to upload pics.



I only see one tool in this toolpath?
I used 3 different sized tools to clear the pocket. the software calculates what path each covers. look at the pics i



The software calculates the toolpath based on optimizing the travel distance between areas generally. If you want to avoid some time you could try to put different areas on different layers. Make sure you you save the original before you work on a different strategy.

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One other thing to check for is lines on top of lines. Its possible to copy and paste lines on top of another and visually you can’t see it so the software treats it as a separate entity

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Create a new file with just a simple rectangle shape, create your pocket toolpath with the same tools and see what it does.