Surfacing a spoilboard

[Greybarn]

Okay. Big newbie questions here. I am about to start surfacing a new spoilboard. For the toolpath, is at simple as drawing the correct shape, importing that into Partworks, use the outline of the part for a Pocket toolpath, and then use the edge as a profile toolpath?
Also, how fast can we move a spoil board cutter through ultra light MDF? 4IPS?
Is it okay to take the surface off (say 1/32 to 1/16") all on one shot? Or is it better to do it in two smaller passes?
I assume there are no tricks for getting everything flat when we flip it over to do the other side.
I did read about getting the MDF onto the table, covering it with some plastic and then turning the vacuum so that it sucks out the moisture. Is that still the correct approach?
Thanks.
Regards
Peter

[signtist]

Yes....thats about right. Save this job because you'll use it over and over.
Use 50% stepover cut about .03 or .04 deep.

Just pocket....that's all it takes.

[knight_toolworks]

I surface 12ips upto .125 at a time. that's using a 2.5" bit but I keep the rpms down to 8000 to keep the dust from flying. I make the rectangle 1" larger then my spoilboard and center it.

[Greybarn]

Great.
Thanks!

[jerry_stanek]

I just use the utility that comes with the Shopbot control software has. Under tools there is a heading for top surfacing that you can use to create your cut file.

[harryball]

Custom file, 80% step over on a 2.5" bit, 12 ips, .02" depth by default (but I can enter whatever I want).

The larger the bit the more important it is that your Z axis is square to the table.

/RB

[knight_toolworks]

Custom file, 80% step over on a 2.5" bit, 12 ips, .02" depth by default (but I can enter whatever I want).

The larger the bit the more important it is that your Z axis is square to the table.

/RB
very true. also you need to do a decent ramp since the bit can't plunge.

[jerry_stanek]

You can input the size bit and step over before you make your cut file,