So I am still learning the ropes and have a somewhat of a newb question I feel I maybe I am being to cautious with my new Amana Spektra coated bits that arrived. Specifically the tapered ball nose Amana Tool® Item #46282-K and other similar size tapered ball nose bits.
So normally I have been using the standard C3D bits e.g. .25" Endmill for roughing/hogging out large material and then ending up with .25" Ball nose or .125" Ball nose depending on the size of the wood material and project. I have achieved amazing results this past year but am unclear how much life I had left of my used bits. FWIW Sometimes I use chineseium bits as well from ebay and amazon that were cheap and considered disposable.
So my question is this (as it relates to 3D relief fine detail cutting), After the Endmill roughing tool-paths are complete and I start on the finishing ballnose tool-paths. I have continued with the same workflow as mentioned above ending with the new tapered bits, but I am wondering if its necessary to use the C3D .125" Ballnose before I finish with the Amana Tapered Ballnose? Or can skip the C3D .125" ball nose and go straight to the tapered ballnose for the finishing tool-paths?
Right now there is almost no material left by the time the Tapered ball nose starts its tool-path. I presume Is it just a matter of how much of the “machine allowance” is left after the roughing? I cant imagine the tapered ballnose having trouble if I skipped the .125 ballnose. but that is why I am asking.
I was just being cautions and trying to extend the life of the new Amana Spektra Tapered Ballnose but I am wondering if it is necessary and the extra time I am wasting is necessary for the pre-finishing toolpaths with the straight ballnose tool-paths. Can I get some thoughts from you guys with more experience?
thanks in advance and sorry for being so long winded