Toolpath Help

[cbradshaw]

I am trying to machine this post top and I know it is simple but I cannot figure out how to make the tool path. I want to machine one side and rotate the post. I would use a 1.5 inch end mill.
iges file
Post.IGS (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/Post-50962.txt) (22.4 k)

any help wopuld be appreciated

[ssflyer]

Hi Carroll,

Looks like it would be simpler to cut it on a saw - simple 6x6 with an angled top?

Best regards,
Ron

[navigator7]

Can you open Carrol's file Ron?

[ssflyer]

Yep, I opened it in Alibre. Just to play, I also exported as an .stl file and brought that into Aspire to play with.

[ssflyer]

Chuck,

One thing - the file wants to open as a text file, so if you right click, choose "save target as" you'll need to rename the extension to .igs for it to be properly recognized.

Regards,
Ron

[navigator7]

Ok,
I got it to open both ways in Cobalt.
I see this:

8464

Is that what you get?

[cbradshaw]

You are right, it does look simple to cut on a miter saw, but I can't cut through 6 inches and the bottom has a little step on it. I will try to send a picture. BY the way it will be a 6 x 6 x 8 foot post.

Thanks for looking at it.

Carroll

[cbradshaw]

Here is a picture. At the base of the angle there is a step of about 1/8 inch
post picture

8465 (42.1 k)

[navigator7]

Carroll,
I'm with Ron.
That's a band saw or chop saw job....unless you are filling the table with timbers?

Is this what you have in mind?

8466
My drawing represents 6 ea 6 x 6's.
Conceivably, you could duplicate the carving on both ends then cut the beam in two.
It would save on hold downs.

[cbradshaw]

Chuck,
If there is an easier way I am all ears. I have a 12 inch miter saw and a 14 inch rikon band saw.

I have not been able to figure out how to manuever the 6x6x8 around easy enough to cut the angle on my band saw.

How would you cut that angle on the miter saw and get the step?

What you have in mind is perfect,but I would probably only cut 3 at a time.

Thanks for your willingness to help!

Carroll

[navigator7]

How do you like your Rikon???

My idea would be to cut it all on the Rikon using a jig.
Making the post two piece would make it a simple deal.
A double sided lag and construction adhesive?
And....It is a fence post after all.
Is there some finery, detail or other usage we are missing?

Excuse my arrogance but I live in cattle country.
"You wanna do what to a fence post?"
;-)

[cbradshaw]

I love the Rikon, it is a great saw. The post is a $220 mailbox post, that I am duplicating for a subdivision. It has to be one piece.

[navigator7]

OIC!
A mailbox post, not a fence post!
Where I live, people mount mailboxes inside 55 gallon drums so their mail isn't tainted quite so bad with the smell of old beer, MD 20-20, and over zealous snow plow drivers.
:-)


Well....Using a 1.5" end mill seem to me you need to set up your wood from outside the machine so you can get clearance for the tool and the angle you want.
I don't see any need to create a program.
Run the machine manually?
The vee would look ok but a ball mill is gonna help too for a nice clean cut at the bottom of the vee.

Fixture time!