First attempt at a 3D carve in CC Pro. I don’t have any ball nose bits so went with end mills 1/4” rough pass, 1/8” first finish pass and 1/16” final finish pass.
My question to you that know is if this if the type of finish to expect with ball nose bits? Before paying for Pro a d buying the bits I would like to know. Seems like a lot of sanding left to do.
PS - I know the design needs some work. This is just a test.
Thanks, Joe
No. You should get a nice smooth finish with the ball nose bits assuming good choices are made for stepover and bit diameter.
Thanks very much. Are the bit specs that are standard in the library the ones to use? Stepover typically 1/2 diameter of bit, correct?
For 3D finishing passes you will probably want to use something more like 10% stepover and smaller bits depending on the detail.
I would do a couple of small domed surface tests and experiment to see what you like.
My rule of thumb for 3D finish… Use the largest bit you need to get the detail you want.
The finest detail on your spoon will be the fillet between the spoon & handle. If you can live with a 1/4" radius there, use a 1/2" ballnose. This will take much less time & give a smoother finish.
You can use much larger stepovers to get the same scallop height.
