For the past few weeks I've been struggling trying to figure out how to correctly use SprutCAM to mill a two-flute reamer using my 4th Axis.
I've pretty much figured out how to use this software to machine most of the other parts I'll ever make on my Tormach.
I contacted Eric at the Tormach/SprutCAM help desk and he was kind enough to let me email him an IGES file containing a SolidWorks drawing of a make-shift two-flute reamer.
The drawing itself was quickly put together just as a practice part I could use to try to figure out how to run tool-paths and post codes for the 4th Axis.
On my own, I've had no luck figuring it out.
My reason for asking Eric for help was so that I could open up the finished file and study exactly how he went about processing it into usable G-Code for machining a cylindrical part with lengthwise flutes cut into it. Once I took the file apart and studied it I figured I could then use a similar procedure in SprutCAM to create tool paths for the real parts I'll eventually want to make.
I got Eric's reply email containing a STC file of my quickly drawn two-flute reamer. Unfortunately, for some reason the file won't open up when I try to load it onto my software. I get loading error messages.
Until I can contact Eric again next week I thought I'd ask some of you guys here with a hands-on working knowledge of how to use SprutCAM with the "Tormach 4th Axis A" feature if you would possibly be willing to take a look at my SolidWorks reamer drawing and run it through your SprutCAM software? (converting and saving it to a STC file for viewing and studying on my end)
It doesn't necessarily have to be my drawing either. It can be one of your own projects. As long as I can open it up as a STC/SprutCAM file and study it to find out exactly how you created the correct operations for milling the lengthwise-flutes and spinning the 4th Axis so as to cut the flute on the opposite side of my cylindrical part it should go a long way toward helping me figure out how to do it on my own.
I'm pretty sure I viewed just about all the tutorial videos I could find on the Tormach/4th Axis combination. Actually I could only find two video tutorial on the subject. Neither one really clicked in a way that made sense to me with respect to the type of parts I was hoping to use in on.
A little help please.
MetalShavings.