[theatrewizard]

Greetings, all.
The problem with being self-taught, is that until you read about it, or see it done, you don't know that it can be done......

Is there an easy way to cut a simple slot with multiple steps for the z depth?
ie: a slot, 3/8 by 2" , 1" deep. (half of a mortise and tenon joint...)
Can this be done other than a G01 (new Z depth) each pass?

Thanks ahead of time for helping out a rookie.....
Chris

[Geof]

Yes there is an easy way.

If you want your slot to be exactly 3/8" you need to use a cutter smaller than .375" to avoid tool deflection causing the width to be overcut.

In your program position the tool at the center of the slot and 0.0100" above the surface then go to subroutine using an L count, write the subroutine in incremental. The program will be something like this:

O00000 (Slot program)
stuff
G00 X Y Z (position tool at start)
M97 P1000 L10
(At this point the slot is cut and just needs a spring pass which is the same as the subroutine without the Z movement.)
G91 G01 X0.0323 F(something)
Y1.0
X-0.0625
Y-2.0
X0.0625
Y1.0
G90 G00 Z1.0 (Lift tool clear)
stuff
M30
(--------)
N1000 G91 G01 X0.0323 F(something) (move sideways for the width)
Y1.0 Z-0.101 (Ramp Z down while moving in Y to end of slot)
X-0.0625 (move to other side)
Y-2.0 (cut to other end)
X0.0625 (move back to first side)
Y1.0 (back to start point in Y)
X-0.0323 (back to start point in X)
M99 (Return from subroutine)

I don't think I have made any typos or calculation errors.

There are other ways to do it using tool compensation and absolute programming.

[theatrewizard]

Thank you Geof


Chris