Quote Originally Posted by Washout View Post
I may have to try some larger tools as my understanding from Dean is trochoidal works better with more flutes and larger tools (lower stepover I expect as well).
Yes 3 flute 8mm or 10mm carbide is my prefered weapons of choice for roughing and pocketing. Then full depth finish with 4 or 6mm HSS single flute.

Now you see why I love my i-machineing so much. It will cut 20mm plate just has easy has that full depth and similair speeds etc. Biggest challenge is clearing the massive amount of chips coming off.
It's actually amazing to watch and scares the bejesus out ya at first but the time savings are massive on some jobs. Also tool life is considerably increased because has you can hear the cutter is so much less stressed.

This type of tool path also works very well for small tools and you'll be surprised how much material can be removed with 3mm cutter.! I've never snapped a 3mm tool yet with i-machineing but yet conventional tool paths are like a lottery and at much lower DOC etc.