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View Full Version : Stepover is wrong when surfacing table



blackhawk
04-18-2008, 12:19 AM
I am setting up a used PRT Alpha that I recently bought. I was trying to surface the table for the first time. I am using the VC command to set my tool. I am using a 2" diameter tool and I am setting the stepover to 80%. I do the CR command and the cutter steps over .400". 2x.80=1.6 in normal mathematics. What am I doing wrong here? I tried setting VC to 1.5" cutter with a 75% stepover and it moved .25"??? Another time I tried 1.5" with 50% and it actually stepped over .75". I can't figure this out.

myxpykalix
04-18-2008, 12:56 AM
I'm no expert but if you want to surface your table why you don't use the tabletop surfacer wizard (TU) under Tools/Tabletop surfacer?
Fill in the fields and it makes your file for you.

blackhawk
04-18-2008, 08:15 AM
I was just following the method that was given in the manual. I didn't know about a TU command. I would still like to know why the stepover is not correct.

paul_z
04-18-2008, 08:27 AM
Brad,

The VC command has "Pocket Overlap", not stepover. 2" tool 80% overlap is 1.6" overlap or 0.4" step over.

Paul Z

blackhawk
04-18-2008, 08:42 AM
Paul - I believe I follow, my thinking was backwards. So if I use my 2" cutter and type in 20% for the overlap (2x.20=.4"), then my cutter will stepover 1.6", which is what I want. Correct?

paul_z
04-18-2008, 10:38 AM
Brad,

I believe that is correct.

Paul Z