Originally Posted by
TrickyCNC
I'm wondering now if I could use a router bit as usual, and just approach the work side on ?
I was just wondering the same thing! The nice thing about using the Z motion of the CNC to cut towards the centre of the spinning stock is that the step-over (step down?) is set by the cutter tool etc, but it could be relatively large. If you use the edge of the cutter, cutting the material from the side, then the step-over has to be less than half the tool width.
I would stick to Z motion cutting the variable diameter of the piece.
Either way, you have to be prepared for some very high relative velocities between the tool and the work. Even a lowly 700 rpm turning speed can translate into thousands if inches per minute. Better buy strong bits (and several of them!).
Paul Rowntree
Vectric Gadgets, WarpDriver, StandingWave and Topo available at PaulRowntree.weebly.com