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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Mastercam > cutting a slot with a t-slot cutter
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
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    436

    cutting a slot with a t-slot cutter

    I want to cut a slot with a T-slot cutter.
    I'm using a 2d contour toolpath

    I can't get MC X2 to start cutting at the top of the slot. It always starts below the top of the slot by a distance equal to the depth of cuts.

    How do I force MCX2 to start cutting at the depth I want.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    18
    Are you cutting a t slot or just using a t slot cutter?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
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    436
    Quote Originally Posted by AbsoluteZero View Post
    Are you cutting a t slot or just using a t slot cutter?
    Cutting a slot
    The cutter is about .100" high, my slot needs to be about .15".
    So I have to do a pass at a given Z, then move dow .05" to a final depth.

    I get the final depth, but the start Z off by my depth of cut.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    461
    If you wanted to do it in 2 passes it may be simpler to make 2 operations out of it.

    Otherwise, you could change the height of the first pass by adjusting the "top of stock" value. This was not my first choice only because I *think* it could be slightly unpredictable where the first pass lands with depth cuts activated but I am away from my hasp right now and can't test this theory...

    Either way, if you play around with it I am sure you can get it to do what you want.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
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    18
    Two operations would solve all your problems. I dont see why it wont work for you I just ran that through with false numbers and with a final z set I told it depth cuts value of .05 and it generated a two pass slot. Also you could try to lie to the software and tell it its a normal end mill it wont look right on verify but the fact that its compensating for a slot cutter might be messing it up. Any case fastest way tell it a contour pass with a final z and then copy the contour and change final z by .05.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
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    436
    Quote Originally Posted by cncuser1 View Post
    I want to cut a slot with a T-slot cutter.
    I'm using a 2d contour toolpath

    I can't get MC X2 to start cutting at the top of the slot. It always starts below the top of the slot by a distance equal to the depth of cuts.

    How do I force MCX2 to start cutting at the depth I want.
    Thanks Guys it looks like it will work, a little bass akwards, but it seems to work, I'll try it on some metal tomorrow

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    3578
    I know it can be done properly even with a custom keycutter like this one used in thread re leafs for valve body's. here is one I just did on a project I just finished programming.
    http://www.mastercam-cadcam.com/keycutter.wmv
    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
    Cadcam
    Software and hardware sales, contract Programming and Consultant , Cad-Cam Instructor .

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    436
    Quote Originally Posted by cadcam View Post
    I know it can be done properly even with a custom keycutter like this one used in thread re leafs for valve body's. here is one I just did on a project I just finished programming.
    http://www.mastercam-cadcam.com/keycutter.wmv
    Thanks Cadcam, as far as I can tell I did what your video shows ( no sound?) but like I said the first cut is below where I want by an amout equal to the depth of cut.

    I think all the countouur 2D cuts start at a depth below top of stock equal to cut depths? No?

    I am using MCX2, maybe they have different algorithm for X3.

    I think I solved the problem by doing a new, separate toolpath at each depth I want.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    3578
    CNC user want to share your file so I can see what you are doing? you can email it to me if you want.
    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
    Cadcam
    Software and hardware sales, contract Programming and Consultant , Cad-Cam Instructor .

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    126

    Question for cadcam

    Good video by the way. Please see if I am understanding this correctly. Top of part is 2.4855, bottom is 2.4255, a differance of .060, plus a stepdown of .025 for a total width of groove, or relief, is .085. Is this correct ? Thank's . Harold C

    But after watching video again, the differance of .060 is total width of relief & cutter is .035 with .025 stepdown ???

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    126

    Thank's for the tip !

    I finally figured this one out. Made my own model & custom t-slot cutter & played with it for a short while, & got it. Work's like a charm. We don't do many internal / external grooves , but we do them from time to time. Very helpful. Thank's. Harold C.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    3578
    I guess now I need to make a short video showing a keycutter doing and undercut surface path.
    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)
    Cadcam
    Software and hardware sales, contract Programming and Consultant , Cad-Cam Instructor .

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