re:Re: not stiff enough!

Richard,
On a light machine, it is often a good idea to repeat the cutting.
(run the toolpath twice) After all, we even do this when manually
machining metal with relatively stiff machines (lathes, especially).

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

P.S. Digital tool used to do this at trade shows, cutting pb or mdf.
They just "assumed" it took two runs through the tool path to deal
with the flex!

P.P.S. more thoughts since/from my last post to you: You could "add"
temporary supports to your machine X axis shafts! Maybe Y/Z also?!
For example, if you're only using 30 inches of travel, you don't need
60 inches of travel 'free'. So add an mdf support as "close as you
can", considering the CURRENT toolpath!!! I envision the support to
be 3/4 mdf. Drill a 'slightly' undersize shaft hole at the design
height of the shaft(same as the end plates). Cut in half at the
diameter of the hole (bandsaw). You can then "wedge it in when and
where you need it. The slightly undersize hole ensures that there
will be an "interference fit".

>I'm machining wood.
>For instance, put a 1/16" bit on the trim router I'm using, and
>program it to make a 3/16" round hole. The hole isn't much bigger
>than the bit. This is in 1/4" hardboard.<snip>