How do I gradually enter & exit cuts?

[tim_mcknight]

I want to gradually enter a cut and exit it the same way. I want the bit to gradually taper into the wood from the surface for a length of 6" then make the cut at the desired depth and then exit in the same tapered manner. I have Partworks and was not sure if this is possible without Aspire?

[dlcw]

You could use the fluting tool. That lets you taper in, make a cut and then taper out. I don't have Partworks so am not sure if that tool is in Partworks.

[jerry_stanek]

What software are you using. For part works and vcarve or Aspire you can enter a lead in and lead out

[tim_mcknight]

What software are you using. For part works and vcarve or Aspire you can enter a lead in and lead out
I am using PartWorks and tried the Lead In function with a 20* angle and it did not work??? What angle should I use? The default is 90*

[beacon14]

Use the Ramp feature

[tim_mcknight]

Does the ramp work on both ends of the cut?

[tmerrill]

Ramping will work in conjunction with a lead in but not a lead out - forward movement stops at the end of the lead out and the bit retracts vertically.

Ramping by itself will only ramp in and the retract will be vertical as above.

There would be no automatic way to ramp out of a cut using Partworks.

Are you trying to do this for a machining need or decorative purposes?

Tim

[harryball]

If you are tyring to do this for decorative purposes ramping out can be accomplished with a 3D tab.

/RB

[tim_mcknight]

Ramping will work in conjunction with a lead in but not a lead out - forward movement stops at the end of the lead out and the bit retracts vertically.

Ramping by itself will only ramp in and the retract will be vertical as above.

There would be no automatic way to ramp out of a cut using Partworks.

Are you trying to do this for a machining need or decorative purposes?

Tim

I am doing this out of need for the design . I only have 2D software and realize the type of cut I want to make is actually a 3D design feature. I was just hoping to be able to do this with PartWorks. To simplify my request imagine that I need to cut a 1/4" wide channel 3' in length at a depth of 1/4". However the first and last 6" of that channel I want the bottom of the channel to start flush with the top surface and ramp down to the depth of 1/4" over the total length and exit in the same manner. I hope I explained this in a way that is easy to understand?

[srwtlc]

The fluting toolpath should do what you want.

[tim_mcknight]

Thanks Scott. That is EXACTLY what I was looking for!

[adrianm]

Don't forget Don. He said it in the first reply. :)

[tim_mcknight]

Oops, Thanks Don, too!