[toaren01]

Is there a way to tie all of the tool paths together on one part? I made a CO2 car with my cnc router and it turned out fine but it took longer than it needed to. I had to route it on three different surfaces so I would post the G-code for one surface and run it. Then I would post the next surface and run it and so on. The reason I think it could be faster is because the program did not recognize the previous tool path and would route areas where there would be material if it were not removed in the previous tool path. I did try to post all of the g-codes but it does not allow me time to re-position the stock before it went on to the next tool path. I hope this all makes sense. thanks in advance for any help

[KH0UJ]

What do you mean "tie" sir? for sure you can just copy/paste the 3 codes you made and place it in a single notepad file, I thinks it`s faster to work on your model in a 4rth axis, save you time re positioning things.

[Jim Dawson]

It depends on the CAM program you are using. The higher end CAM programs do adaptive clearing and will recognize cleared areas. Fusion 360 is free to hobbyists and will do this. If you are using a lower end CAM program, you have to think ahead and tell the next operations where the surfaces will be after clearing in the previous operation. I started out using CamBam and learned quickly that I had to think through the process carefully to maximize efficiency.

[toaren01]

What I meant by "tie" them together is having the program recognize the areas that were cleared in a previous tool path. I use MasterCam 2017. I do have a 4th axis that I can attach to the cnc router but being new to this I haven't attempted that yet. I have a hard enough time with 3 axis 😁 Is there an adaptive tool path operation available in MasterCam that would be more efficient? I believe I used the 3-d area roughing tool path

[Jim Dawson]

OK, you ARE using the high end CAM software, so yes. MasterCam should figure it out, but I'm not familiar enough with MasterCam to guide you through it. I know it will do it, but I don't have it on this computer. You may have to combine the operations into one operation with tool changes if needed. I just recently did a part from MasterCam that was face, profile, profile, and pocket All with the same tool bit, and it had it all figured out, but I did not do the CAM work on that one.

[toaren01]

I did a little research and selected the 3-d hybrid tool path. It seems to give me what I want but it doesn't allow for tabs to be added that I can see. The block of wood is on an elevated holder and if I can't add tabs it will cut the tabs off and cause the block of wood to fall. Here is a photo maybe that will help convey what I am talking about.

Attachment 357988

[SBC Cycle]

If you are using a 3D toolpath the easiest thing to do would be to model in your "tabs". By selecting the tabs as part of your geometry, the toolpath won't cut through it.

As far as your original question goes, there are multiple ways to refine your toolpaths. Some toolpaths will recognize "rest material" and others do not. For the toolpaths that do not take previous toolpaths into account use a boundary to limit the machining to pinpoint areas. Use check surfaces to avoid certain areas. Be creative, there are tons of options. Uploading a sample file also helps as we have no idea what toolpaths you are using, just throwing out guesses.

3D Area roughing and the adaptive toolpaths also allow you to use a "Stock Model" for reference. Those toolpaths will absolutely recognize previously cleared material. It's a bit tricky the first couple times you use it but it is very powerful.

[cadcam]

Some time it is how you attack it. I think SBC gave a few good ideas but without some to work with like your file it is hard to explain.I have done some what you wanted in a few ways some are using the taps option in mastercam with a 2 profile and others by drawing the area I wanted left. for example.

[KH0UJ]

Can you post the front side picture of your 3D model sir? with measurements, Im gonna try making a custom CAM on it so that you can use your 4 axis, im gonna post the code here, after that you can just load a trial material, zero it on the material then start the code in MACH 3 I really wanna try doing the art stuff, I got very bored doing gun parts on a 4 axis. this time I wanna try art for a change

[toaren01]

Here are some screen shots of the car. I am not sure it gives you enough information. Let me know if you need more.
Attachment 360806
Attachment 360808
Attachment 360804

[cadcam]

Ok so this 2017 Mastercam. I could almost draw the exact model missing radi.

Now if this is on a Axis for rotation and you use stock model on the previous WCS planes you can have it index as one program.

I would say if you don't mind sharing the Mcam file I will try and set it up real fast. I am just makeing videos for MC2018.

[toaren01]

I tried uploading the file but it won't allow me to. It says invalid file. Even if you produced something relatively close and posted a video I could use that to figure out how to set the tool paths for my car.

[cadcam]

You have a PM sir.

[KH0UJ]

Here are some screen shots of the car. I am not sure it gives you enough information. Let me know if you need more.

Im gonna try custom programming it too if you dont mind, before I start drawing it in sketchup one question sir, is the numbers in mm`s? or inches?

[Superman]

Im gonna try custom programming it too if you dont mind, before I start drawing it in sketchup one question sir, is the numbers in mm`s? or inches?

A bit small if the numbers are in mm's

Look at the lower right corner..... at the scale gonom.... it says "Inch"

[toaren01]

Have you had any luck making the program?

[AMG Guitars]

You can add tabs using the toolpath editor. Just put some points where you want the tabs so you can select them in the editor.
Can't you? I don't know if the functionality of 2017 vs V8 has increased or decreased. I wouldn't know. I only have the old stuff. But for me, it's pretty easy to just edit a cut by moving it to a point, stepping over your part to another point, and then resuming the cut, thus creating a "tab", if you will, so as to avoid a clamp or in your case having the part fall down.
I wish I could help, but honestly I don't know if 2017 still has this capability or not.

[cadcam]

You can add tabs using the toolpath editor. Just put some points where you want the tabs so you can select them in the editor.

So you know what AMG stated is not work . but there is some truth to a point. the truth is it is under contour setting and tabs there is an option for Tabs. Now you can manual locate them or you can you can creates point at location you want them to be. that is the truth part. but again they cannot just be any points they need to be square points and set to use them in the options of TABs.
Or you can draw you own geo if you feel like working hard.