Vcarve 'Use Flat Clearance Tool' Problem

[richard_saylor]

Is it possible to get the program to use both the V tool and the Clearance tool to clear the flat area? It seems that when the Clearance tool can't get into an area, the V tool should be clearing that area.
I know that I could use a smaller Clearance tool, but then the cut time would be doubled or tripled. Is there something that I'm missing to force the V bit to clear those small areas?

[tmerrill]

Richard,

If you select the VCarve toolpath and check the Flat Depth option it will work as you want. Just enter the flat depth you want, then check the box to Use Flat Depth Clearance Tool.

You may need to adjust the v-bit's stepover - it will be a balance between machine time and quality.

Tim

[richard_saylor]

Tim,
Thanks for the feedback. Are you saying that if I decrease the V bit's stepover, it will clear the areas that the Clearance tool can't get into?
What % stepover is recommended?

[richard_saylor]

OK, dumb question. I got greedy and had put 30% stepover for the V bit. I reduced that to 5% and it cleared the small areas. Thanks for the quick solution Tim.