Bits breaking when cutting Worksurface

Dave McPherson · Post by **Dave McPherson** » Wed, Aug 09 2006, 1:05PM

Hi,
We are having trouble cutting the attached Worksurface top. We are very new to using a CNC machine, We have the CS45-510. Is it possible to set up cut pass thru stages. The machine tried to cut this top in one pass and broke the bit, is there away for the CNC machine to make 3 passes to complete a cut. Our operater did not think this was possible. The top is 66\"L x 30\"Wx 1 3/16\" Thick. Any help or suggestions would greatly be appreciated!

Thanks,
Dave

Ryan Hochgesang · Post by **Ryan Hochgesang** » Wed, Aug 09 2006, 1:39PM

Hi Dave,

There is a Setting in Control Nesting that will allow you to set the machine so that it takes at least two passes for outline cuts, but 3 is not an option at this time. You will need to adjust the DOUBLE PASS SIZE in SETTINGS so that control nesting will double pass the outline cuts on all parts smaller than the area amt. specified. Then, you also need to specify a SKIN THICKNESS, which you would want to specify half the material thickness.

Hope this information has been helpful!

Glenn Van Reason · Post by **Glenn Van Reason** » Wed, Aug 09 2006, 4:21PM

A way to trick the machine is to bump up the spoilboard thickness so that the bit doesn't go all the way through on the first pass, you then just run the sheet again without moving it dropping the spoilboard thickness at each successive run untill you get to the actual spoilboard thickness. This way you can drop by any amount you choose and do as many passes as you like.

Dave McPherson · Post by **Dave McPherson** » Thu, Aug 10 2006, 12:58PM

Thanks for your Help!

CameronEchols · Post by **CameronEchols** » Thu, Aug 10 2006, 5:42PM

that or you could slow your feed rate that might help with breaking bits

Michael Kowalczyk · Post by **Michael Kowalczyk** » Thu, Aug 10 2006, 8:54PM

Dave,

What software are you designing in? MasterCam, ArtcamPro, Ecabinets, or another??? or are you just bringing in a DXF file?

It looks like an Ecab rendering but I do not want to assume

Without knowing what you are designing and posting with makes it hard to give an accurate answer.

What kind of material are you cutting? What size bit are you using? What kind is it and how many flutes? is it an upshear, downshear, compression spiral? What is your RPM and feed speed (IPM)? How are you fixturing it? flow through vac or mechanical? What kind of edge quality do you need? Will you be doing a secondary operation for edge treatment?

I've cut 2\" solid cherry with a 3\" long- 1/2\"diam. 2 flute straight bit in one pass before so it can be done but if you haven't broken a few bits you aren't pushing your machine.

Mike Bowers · Post by **Mike Bowers** » Sat, Aug 26 2006, 8:12AM

What size bits were you using when they broke?

Dave McPherson · Post by **Dave McPherson** » Sat, Aug 26 2006, 8:26AM

Thanks for all the feed back!
We adjusted the spoilboard and that worked

The top was drawn in autocad, dxf file and imported to E-cabinets.
The material was 1 1/8 Flakeboard with standard grade laminate on the face side. The bit that broke was a 1/2\"

Thanks,
Dave