99% of Beginners Don’t Know This Easy CNC Trick!

[@wiremonkeyshop]

In most CAM software, you would add radial stock to leave, in your case 0.03, then do a finishing pass, which cuts to final dimension.

[@ericschneider2188]

I have been hobby cnc’ ing for a few years. To deal with these water lines, I use a very light full DOC finish pass as the last pass. I also run this full DOC finish pass at half of my regular cutting speed. I know, this isn’t optimizing the cnc machine or doing my chip load any favors, but it saves a ton of time. I am thinking, as I write this, that I should try a ball nose bit for contours as the lack of perpendicular cutting edges should eliminate the water lines. This would, of course, add a tool change to the mix and probably negate or even increase the overall cnc time.

[@CaseySS423]

Bro Ive been cutting for years and never once thought of this. Big thumbs up

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

You've got it!

[@gaiustacitus4242]

A best practice is to use a separate end mill for the finishing pass. This produces the best possible surface finish and lets you get the most value out of end mills used for roughing.

[@PiercesPerfectPieces]

That’s exactly what I do too! Granted if you don’t have a machine with an automatic tool changer it can be a little more time consuming (for some people & depending on the job/projects being done), but to me you’re always saving time (& money too) whenever you’re able to do it on the machine VS doing it manually! 💯

[@paramtrx9558]

I agree

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Thanks for this! I'll be revising my files to incorporate this... great timing as I'm starting my holiday season work now!!

[@markhertich3582]

Love this idea, was also wondering what the sanding wheel is that you use in your drill press??

[@bachplucked]

Thank you Andy for this tip. I knew this feature was in Vectric but I didn’t know where to find it or how to use it. This will help me with some craft show items I want to make for Christmas.

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Glad to help!

[@ronodowd5724]

It's like doing a finish pass like I do on the bridgeport not the same kind of meteral as wood I have to put together my small cnc / laser knowledge is power

[@dthomas2301]

Great video, and quality description. Thank you

[@AndyBirdBuilds]

Right on!

[@1powelrainbow2]

So I belong to the 1%? ...yaay 😅

[@tobedetermined4180]

Why I’m watching this video? I don’t have a CNC machine! Oh! 👎🏻