So I just got a cnc router, I’ve used sheetcam extensively for my cnc plasma over the last year and I really like it. I have yet to make anything on the router as of yet.
Here’s my question. The part I’m looking to cut is an internal hex, about 1/2” across the flats. What I’m planning on doing is pre-drilling a 1/2” hole, in order to have the router just do the finishing geometry of the hex. This will bring the cut time way down, and be a lot easier on my router and end mills.
So I have the dxf, which contains both the final hex geometry and the 1/2” circle inside it for the drilled hole. Is there a way I can make sheetcam know that the 1/2” circle is already void of material? And have the cut start close to the edge of said circle? The plan is to plunge my cutter down into the pre-drilled hole to my final depth (about 1/4”), and then do a spiral pocket operation going outwards with a small step over. But as of right now sheetcam is assuming it’s cutting the entire hex right from the center. This will mean that as of right now it will do dozens upon dozens of air passes inside my pre drilled hole before it finally contacts the outside of the hole.
Anyone know how I could possibly go about this operation? I’ve found a few trace whispers about “islands” in sheetcam, but I have searched and searched and cannot find it anywhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!