Cut Depth When Setting Up A New Tool

[Cameron]

I realize I am about to ask an absolute newbie question regarding the setup of a new tool in the library.

When creating a new tool, is the “Cut Depth” setting going to determine how far the plunge will be when the tool enters the material, or goes steps further down (Depth Per Pass)?

I have a tool (*Astra Coated* 1/4" Extra Long CNC Bit - BitsBits.com) I am attempting to create, and the site lists it with, “Max Cut depth per pass 1/4.″ I see the “Cut Depth” of the Carbide 3D #201 as 0.040”. I had been mirroring against the #201 and editing details, but I’m not sure if I would like to enter 0.250" in the setting.

I apologize in advance for what seems like it would be an easy answer I could figure out on my own; I simply do not see a similar question on the forums at this time.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Depth per pass determines how deeply the tool can cut with each pass.

If Max Depth/Depth of cut is less that, then it will limit and a single pass will be made.

If Max Depth/Depth of cut is greater, then a number of passes at Depth per Pass will be made, w/ the last making up the difference, e.g.,

Cutting to 0.5" (not 0.25" as was pointed out below) Max Depth with a Depth per pass of 0.124"

4 passes at 0.124", 0.248", 0.372" and 0.496" will be made, then a final 5th pass, at 0.5" removing just 0.004" of material.

[Tod1d (Tod (with 1 'd'))]

Logistically speaking, the “Depth” in the tool definition when you create a new tool is arbitrary because you can change it when you use the tool in an operation.
Enter the most common depth of cut you will use. You are essentially setting the ‘default’ depth.

[MicSquared (Mike Michaelson)]

@WillAdams

Depth per pass determines how deeply the tool can cut with each pass.

If Max Depth/Depth of cut is less that, then it will limit and a single pass will be made.

If Max Depth/Depth of cut is greater, then a number of passes at Depth per Pass will be made, w/ the last making up the difference, e.g.,

Cutting to 0.25" Max Depth with a Depth per pass of 0.124"

4 passes at 0.124", 0.248", 0.372" and 0.496" will be made, then a final 5th pass, at 0.5" removing just 0.004" of material.

I think you meant “Cutting to 0.50” Max Depth"…

[gdon_2003 (Guy Donham)]

A good starting point for any new tool are the default doc for a stock C3D tool. So if it is 1/4" tool start with the 201E from C3D. The 201 is a 3 flute bit where the 201E is a 2 flute bit. As @Tod1d said you can change the doc when picking the tool by modifying the parameters. So if you want to cut a .1" total depth and you can divide by 2 or 3 so it makes either 2 passes at .050 or .335. You get sometimes odd numbers and it will make a very shallow 4th cut when dividing by 3. That is ok just takes longer because you are making a 4th pass. That can desirable to get a really clean bottom.

[Cameron]

Thanks all. That helped with the setup.