Creating rounded bottom pockets for catch trays

Ryancncworx · July 28, 2026, 2:54am

Hello all,
Usually I’m just a quite admirer of all the amazing projects I see here daily but tonight I wanted to ask for some advice. I have been designing a few catchall trays.

The issue I’m having is with the pocketing out. Originally I was using a bowl bit that worked well but was time consuming. I have been struggling with trying to speed up the time for pocketing using the IDC “Hog” bit followed up with a finish pass using a 1/2” Ballnose to smooth out the pocket and extend just past the “Hog” edge.
I’m trying to get the outer edge of the pocket to have a nice curved sidewall.
I am using Carbide Create free version and I’m wondering if there might been some limitations with the software….or just my design limitations.
Thanks for any help.

SirGariff · July 28, 2026, 8:26am

Why don’t you share your file as people here will be able to usually pinpoint pretty quickly what is going on.

I will say everything you are wanting to do is well within the ability of the free version.

WillAdams · July 28, 2026, 10:59am

We have a video on using such tooling:

It helps if one draws the tooling which is to be used and the pocket up in profile (and if these two match in terms of radii).

My usual approach is to just cut things out w/ a ball-nose tool:

which will leave a scalloped bottom:

Then inset by the radius of the tool to be used:

Verify that that lines up w/ the toolpaths:

and cut a second pocket:

(and of course, drawing the tool and scallops up in profile so as to determine a suitable start depth)

If one shortens the Stock Dimension on one axis:

it is easy to verify the profile of the cut:

Of course, if one had a bowl tool w/ a matching geometry, or if one modified the geometry to match the bowl tool, no second geometry would be needed.

David_HGP · July 28, 2026, 4:24pm

I haven’t yet used it, but a flat bottom bowl bit, is going to solve the “scalloping” issue caused by bullnose bits. I bought this, but haven’t got to that project yet,

gdon_2003 · July 28, 2026, 5:14pm

Router bits with bearings can be a hazard on a cnc. If you can remove the bearing take it off. On a router table the bearing guides the bit from a reference edge. On a CNC the reference edge is the software. Having a bearing can cause you to lose zeros should the bearing hit something fixed. The router bit could just chew anything sticking out up but the bearing can cause a hard stop. Not good on a CNC.

David_HGP · July 28, 2026, 5:56pm

Yes, the bearings are removable.

Redlander · July 28, 2026, 6:32pm

@Ryancncworx

I use the posted above Woodpeckers bits for smaller trays, bearings are removable. Used for the pocket finish pass, excellent finish. The radius corner finish looks much better than a square point angle and allows items to be picked up easier sometimes.